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Lower Leg Venography

(Phlebography; Venogram)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Definition

Venography is an x-ray test used to study the veins of the body. Lower leg venography is used to study the veins in the legs.

Reasons for Test

This test may be recommended by your doctor in order to:

  • Diagnose deep vein thrombosis—a blood clot deep within the leg that may lead to a pulmonary embolism, which is an obstruction of a blood vessel in the lungs
  • Find obstructions in the veins
  • Assess vein problems you have had since birth
  • Assess the functioning of deep leg vein valves
  • Find a vein that will be used to make a bypass graft

Deep Vein Thrombosis

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Possible Complications    TOP

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

  • Infection
  • Tissue damage
  • Phlebitis—inflammation of a vein
  • Allergic reactions to the contrast material
  • Kidney damage
  • Forming blood clots

People with kidney problems or diabetes, especially those taking metformin, may have a higher risk for complications from venography.

What to Expect    TOP

Prior to Test

You may be asked to fast or drink only clear fluids for four hours before the test. Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies, or bad reactions to injected contrast. If you are nervous about the test, your doctor may give you a sedative.

Arrange for someone to drive you home.

Description of Test

You will lie on a tilting x-ray table. You will be cleaned in the area where the catheter will be inserted. A small cut in your skin may be made in that area as well. You may be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted.

The catheter is inserted into your vein and the contrast is slowly injected. A tight band may be tied around your ankle or your lower body may be tilted. This helps to fill the veins with contrast. You will be asked to remain still as the doctor uses an x-ray machine to view the movement of the contrast through your veins.

After Test

The catheter will be removed and a bandage will be put over the site of the injection.

  • When you get home from the test, take it easy for the rest of the day and try to avoid any strenuous activity.
  • Drink large amounts of fluid for the next 24 hours to help flush the remaining contrast from your body.
  • You may remove the bandage the day after your test.
  • Observe the injection site for any swelling, heat, redness, pain, or drainage. The injection area may be sore for a few days.
  • If any bleeding or swelling occurs at the injection or puncture site, put pressure on the site for at least 10 minutes.

Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water. Most people are able to return to normal activities the day after the test.

How Long Will It Take?

The test takes about 30 minutes. This may be longer depending on the specifics of the test.

Will It Hurt?

You may feel some pain at the injection site during the test and soreness for a few days after. Some people feel mild discomfort throughout the body, or nausea as the contrast fills the veins.

Results

A normal venography means that the blood flow through the vein is normal. An abnormal venography means that there is something blocking blood flow through the vein. Based on the results, your doctor will discuss further studies or treatment.

Call Your Doctor    TOP

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection , including fever or chills
  • Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site
  • Itching, rash, or other signs of an allergic reaction

RESOURCES:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Society of Interventional Radiology
http://www.sirweb.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References:

Venography. Heart Heathy Women website. Available at: http://www.hearthe.... Accessed May 20, 2013.
Venography (venogram). Radiologic Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=venography. Updated August 31, 2013. Accessed May 20. 2013.
Last reviewed May 2013 by David N. Smith, MD; Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 5/20/2013