CUTANEOUS HEMOSIDEROSIS IN CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY: A REVIEW

Abstract

Hemosiderosis is the deposition of hemosiderin, a storage form of iron derived from the breakdown of erythrocytes. This process commonly occurs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) due to venous hypertension and vascular ectasia. Cutaneous accumulation of hemosiderin in CVI causes brown hyperpigmentation and contributes to lipodermatosclerosis and ulceration, further highlighting the pathogenic role of iron metabolism in these disorders. In this review, we examine the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of hemosiderosis in CVI, summarize its management and prevention strategies, and explore its impact on quality of life.