Does Phlebitis Cause Venous Insufficiency or is it Vice-Versa?

Question: I am 20 years old with a history of undiagnosed autoimmune disease, which is currently in an acute flare. After suffering from a case of phlebitis in greater saphenous vein of the right leg for two months, I was just recently diagnosed with venous insufficiency in both the greater and smaller saphenous veins of both legs, incompetent saphenofemoral junction in both legs, and incompetent femoral vein in the left leg. I have unknown family medical history.

Answer: Your autoimmune disease may or may not be contributing to the venous insufficiency. Very commonly it follows genetic lines. Additional factors in the worsening of venous insufficiency in women is pregnancy and hormonal shifts. Regardless of the underlying cause, the progression of venous insufficiency is inevitable, and if you have a spontaneous thrombus in the greater saphenous vein, it is time to consider intervention on the other abnormal veins to prevent secondary complications such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis).