Abstract
A simple technique of dynamic radionuclide venography—using a Searle LFOV gamma camera and an associated whole-body scanning couch—was investigated to demonstrate venous flow from the foot to the inferior vena cava on a single image. Results of this method were correlated with radio-graphic contrast venography in prospective studies in 84 patients. Correlation between radionuclide and contrast venograms was 79% in the pilot study; it improved to 96% with modification of scan technique and assessment criteria in a second study. Hot spots and stasis proved to be unreliable indicators of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The radionuclide venogram appearance that correlated best with contrast studies was diversion of the flow from deep to superficial veins.