Which finding is more characteristic of venous insufficiency than arterial embolism?

• A. Lower Extremity Edema
• B. Stasis Dermatitis
• C. Palpable Cord
• D. Pulselessness

Answer: (B)

In the leg, signs of venous disease arise from chronic venous hypertension that causes fluid leakage, inflammation, and skin changes. Stasis dermatitis results from that process and presents as itchy, hyperpigmented, scaly, eczematous skin changes typically in the lower leg. This makes it a classic feature of chronic venous insufficiency and distinct from arterial embolism, which typically presents acutely with ischemic signs such as sudden pain, pallor, pulselessness, cool temperature, and motor/sensory loss. A palpable cord points to superficial venous involvement like thrombophlebitis or varicosities, which again aligns with venous disease rather than arterial embolism. While edema can occur with both conditions, the dermatitis from venous insufficiency is the most characteristic finding here.