Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological (CEAP) Classification

Purpose:

The Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification provides a comprehensive framework for assessing and categorizing chronic venous disorders, introduced in 1995 and revised in 2004 and 2020. It categorizes venous disease based on clinical signs, etiology, anatomical distribution, and underlying pathophysiology, offering a standardized approach for clinicians to classify, document, and communicate various aspects of venous disease effectively. CEAP enables healthcare providers to assess disease severity, plan treatments, and communicate clearly within the medical community and with patients. By systematically categorizing venous disorders, it facilitates patient-centered care tailored to individual needs.

Allocation of CEAP Categories:

1. Clinical: Describes the presentation of venous disease, including symptoms and physical findings.
2. Etiological: Identifies the underlying causes or risk factors contributing to venous disease.
3. Anatomical: Specifies the anatomical location and extent of venous abnormalities.
4. Pathophysiological: Describes the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in venous disease progression.

Instructions for Use:

1. Evaluate the patient’s clinical symptoms and physical examination findings to determine the appropriate clinical category (C).
2. Identify any underlying etiological factors contributing to venous disease and assign the corresponding etiological category (E).
3. Determine the anatomical extent and distribution of venous abnormalities to assign the anatomical category (A).
4. Consider the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved in venous disease progression and assign the pathophysiological category (P).
5. Document the CEAP classification according to the assigned categories (e.g., C2E2A3P4).

Reference:

1. Eklöf, B., Rutherford, R. B., Bergan, J. J., Carpentier, P. H., Gloviczki, P., Kistner, R. L., et al. (2004). Revision of the CEAP classification for chronic venous disorders: consensus statement. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 40, 1248-1252.
2. Lurie, F., Passman, M., Meisner, M., Dalsing, M., Masuda, E., Welch, H., et al. (2020). The 2020 update of the CEAP classification system and reporting standards. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 8, 342-352.
3. Hong, K. P. (2022). The 2020 Update of the CEAP Classification: Updated Contents and Background. Annals of Phlebology, 20(1), 19-23.