Venography

The venography is a medical examination procedures to assess the veins by X-ray diagnostics.

In the frequent Beinphlebografie a contrast agent in a Fußrückenvene ( vena dorsalis pedis artery ) is the patient standing after application of a congestion ( Tornique ) above the ankle injected and x-ray (s) of the leg created - so-called target shooting. Analogous to this procedure is a Armphlebografie possible. It can be seen ( blockage by blood clots) by contrast- recesses in the course of the vessel thrombosis. Also varices ( varicose veins ) and their causes can be identified in phlebogram. Other veins, especially of the arm can be shown by injection of contrast agent as a peripheral vein.

In medicine, the examination method is commonly used complementary or supplementary to (duplex) ultrasonography, if this does not yield conclusive diagnosis. Especially in the dünnkalibrigen, branched veins of the lower leg / forearm complex varicose veins ( varicose veins ), after severe thrombosis ( so-called post-thrombotic syndrome ) and venous valves, the method still has advantages. In particular, for the preparation of varicose vein operations phlebography is still requested because of their reliable statement and report presentation.

Furthermore, in rarer cases, a vena cava phlebography of the upper body ( superior vena cava ) or abdomen ( vena cava inferior) performed in a similar technique, but with a greater amount of contrast agent or flow rate. This is also called upper or lower Cavographie. With the computed tomography ( CT) or magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI), these studies are feasible and elegant today with much more additional information.

Benefits of venography

The venography allows the complete representation of a ( branched or complex ) venous vascular system over a longer distance with the possibility of functional features - for example, in limb movement or change in position of the patient - figuratively documented.

Drawbacks of phlebography

• Radiation exposure
• Contrast injection into vessels → allergy risk
• Kidney burden of the contrast agent
• Device technology is relatively expensive, tied to locality
• Experienced specialist ( radiologist ) required

Alternatives

To assess the venous sonography is the method of choice nowadays. For the detection or exclusion of thrombosis, magnetic resonance imaging is suitable, in particular to the large-caliber veins of the groin, thigh and back of the knee as another, do not emit harmful method. Due to the high cost, limited availability and the time needed but the MRI is rarely the first diagnostic procedure in suspected thrombosis - especially as the large veins are also called sonography excellent assessable. For the remaining veins Duplex-/Farbdopplersonographie is used. Advantageously, here the lack of radiation and contrast media exposure. Furthermore, MRI or CT come with specific questions on the application ( local differences depending on availability, instrumentation, experience, reputation ).

• Imaging method (medicine)
• The diagnostic method in angiology
• Phlebology