1994 update on phlebography and varicography.
BACKGROUND
Appropriate management of venous disease requires definitive diagnosis. The place of phlebography and varicography in acute and chronic venous disease is to complement other less invasive and less expensive tests of venous function.


OBJECTIVE
This paper will address the present indications for phlebography and present the techniques of ascending and descending phlebography and of varicography practiced in our environment.


METHODS
The technique of each type of phlebography are outlined. These include ascending phlebography at the foot, popliteal and femoral levels, varicography, and descending phlebography. Complications are discussed briefly.


RESULTS
The advantages and complications of each method are discussed with the description of the procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
The most frequent uses of phlebography in acute venous thrombosis are to define deep vein thrombosis isolated to the calf or to the iliac veins, or to clarify findings from duplex scan examinations. In chronic venous disease, phlebography is used to clarify problem cases of superficial venous disease and to study patients with advanced deep vein disease who are potential candidates for deep vein reconstruction.
Kistner
R L
RL
Department of Vascular Surgery, Straub Clinic & Hospital, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
Kamida
C B
CB
D000208:Acute Disease; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D010690:Phlebography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D014111:Tourniquets; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media