Intense pulsed light is a promising way for telangiectasias / reticular veins treatment: from pathogenesis to pronounced clinical outcomes

Abstract

Varicose veins are the most common pathology of peripheral vessels. A broader concept is the term chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which, in addition to varicose veins, includes telangiectasias and reticular veins. Sclerotherapy is considered as the basis of treatment for reticular veins. However, the procedure has its drawbacks and side effects, which indicates the importance of implementing safer treatment methods. An alternative treatment for reticular veins is intense pulsed light. To illustrate the effectiveness and safety of IPL treatment for reticular veins, we present a clinical case of a patient aged 73 years with complaints of dark purple and bluish vessels. After clinical evaluation, diagnosis of reticular veins/telangiectasias was made (C 1 according to the CEAP 2020 classification). Due to the patients’ refusal to undergo sclerotherapy, it was decided to perform IPL procedures (M22, Lumenis). The patient’s reticular veins and telangiectasias were almost completely leveled out after the second session of IPL therapy; there was also no progress of CVI. No side effects were noted. The pathogenetic application of intense pulsed light in the treatment of reticular veins can be explained by decreasing the inflammatory process, integrating extracellular matrix, as well as inhibition of mast cell degranulation.