This is an abbreviation for the Venous Clinical Severity Score. It is a physician’s reporting instrument designed to record the severity of venous disorder. It is a questionnaire comprised of 10 clinical attributes. Each attribute generates 4 questions which represent 4 increasing levels of severity ranging from 0 to 3. Thus the total score ranges from 0 to a maximum of 30 points. It has shown to be a responsive scoring system to all treatments and is used mainly to assess the effects of these over time. All venous diseases are covered including varicose veins, the post-thrombotic syndrome and ulceration as well as all treatments including open surgery and endovenous intervention. The 10 clinical attributes from which the scores of severity are derived are: pain, varicose veins, venous oedema, skin pigmentation, inflammation, induration, no of ulcers, duration of ulceration, ulcer size and duration of compression therapy. Assessments on legs treated can be achieved either by using the total score or the individual scores from each of the 10 attributes.
MICHAEL VASQUEZ I am pleased to comment on the Revised VCSS (Rev-VCSS) for the Josef Pflug Vascular Laboratory. Dr. Pflug’s commitment to the study of venous disease led to a wide body of work that has inspired a new generation of vascular scholars. Treatment of venous insufficiency benefits from assessment that clarifies outcome, including the venous clinical severity score (Rev-VCSS). The Rev-VCSS evaluates change over time following conservative or procedural therapy. Its sensitivity is increased following a recent revision to address shortcomings in language. The components of the Rev-VCSS allow analysis of technical, patient-reported and clinical results, leading to a thorough survey of objective and subjective features as a snapshot and over a continuum. We utilize the Rev-VCSS in daily clinical practice, research trials and longitudinal studies. The Rev-VCSS, combined with a patient reported outcome measurement gives an accurate picture of the progression of venous disease. A patient reported outcome such as the VVSymQ may provide a strong complement to the Rev-VCSS. Ongoing studies are elucidating this complex, filial relationship.