[Pathogenesis of the venous leg ulcer].

Based on different experimental findings, the following sequence of pathogenetically important factors for the development of venous ulcers is outlined: Valvular incompetence, reflux----chronic venous ambulatory hypertension----capillary dilatation and deformation----hyperemia----increased transendothelial passage (protein), microlymphangiopathy----protein deposition in the tissue. Deficient fibrinolysis----pericapillary fibrin cuffs----diffusion block----local hypoxia, tissue death. Although other mechanisms and complex factors may also play important additional roles, for the first time a reasonable explanation can be offered for the development of venous ulcers that is in agreement with all consistent findings.