Three of four (75%) vein biopsy samples from four patients (all male, mean onset: age 33.0, mean biopsy: age 59.7) of chronic phase
phlebitis migrans showed positive periodontal bacteria
DNA under the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. Of the 24 cases of
Buerger disease (22 males, 2 females, mean onset: age 31.9, mean examination: age 62.6) that were investigated in our vascular laboratory, 65% of the patients suffered from moderate to severe
varicose veins. Eight cases had a history of
phlebitis migrans and three had an active
ulcer or uncontrollable erosion in the foot. The rate of incidence was significantly higher than that of the well-matched control group. Other findings included one instance of
deep vein thrombosis, and one instance of deep vein reflux. We could suggest that some intractable
ulcer or erosion cases of
Buerger disease may be complicated by superficial vein incompetence or other deep vein insufficiency. We also we need to check
Buerger disease patients with duplex for vein reflux and other insufficiencies. Treatment of the
varicose veins (including
elastic stockings) was effective for all of the patients. (English Translation of Jpn J Phlebology 2011; 22: 25-31.).