Venography

Venography

Venography showing a thrombosis in the leg veins

Venography, also known as phlebography, is a medical imaging technique used to visualize veins in the body. It is primarily used to identify deep vein thrombosis (DVT), assess vein patency, and evaluate venous abnormalities.

Procedure

Venography involves the injection of a contrast dye into the venous system, typically through a vein in the foot or arm. The contrast dye makes the veins visible on an X-ray image. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopy, which allows real-time imaging of the veins as the contrast dye travels through them.

Indications

Venography is indicated in cases where there is a suspicion of:

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Venous insufficiency
• Varicose veins
• Venous malformations
• Pre-surgical mapping of veins

Contraindications

Venography is contraindicated in patients with:

• Allergy to contrast dye
• Severe renal impairment
• Pregnancy, unless absolutely necessary

Risks and Complications

While venography is generally safe, it carries some risks, including:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Thrombophlebitis
• Infection at the injection site
• Radiation exposure

Alternatives

Alternatives to venography include:

• Ultrasound: Non-invasive and commonly used for diagnosing DVT.
• Magnetic resonance venography (MRV): Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize veins.
• Computed tomography venography (CTV): Uses CT imaging with contrast to visualize veins.

History

Venography was first developed in the early 20th century and has evolved with advancements in imaging technology. It was once the gold standard for diagnosing DVT but has largely been replaced by non-invasive methods like ultrasound.

Related pages

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins
• Thrombophlebitis
• Radiology