Thrombotic side-effects of lower limb venography. The use of heparin-saline flush.
In a prospective study of 256 postoperative patients, bilateral lower limb venography was performed using meglumine iothalamate followed by heparin-saline flushing of the deep veins, and the complications of the procedure were assessed. No patient developed clinical evidence of deep-vein thrombosis after the venogram. In 117 patients fibrinogen uptake was performed 24 hours after the venogram. A new positive area on the uptake scan developed in 3 patients (2.6%). Local swelling or haematoma at the injection site occurred in 15 patients (5.9%), cellulitis in 2 (0.8%) and minor contrast reactions in 6 (2.3%). There were no major reactions and no procedure-related mortality. The reasons for the wide variation in the reported incidence of post-venogram thrombosis are considered and the importance of heparin-saline flushing of the deep veins to prevent this complication is discussed.
Blumgart
R L
RL
Department of Radiology, University of Cape Town.
Immelman
E J
EJ
Jeffery
P C
PC
Lipinski
J K
JK
D000328:Adult; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D010690:Phlebography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D012965:Sodium Chloride; D006493:Heparin