Technetium 99m isotope venography

Technetium 99m isotope venography was performed in 116 extremities. By x-ray contrast venographic confirmation in forty-eight extremities, it was accurate in 92 per cent of the patients with a “definitive” diagnosis of thrombosis and in 78 per cent with normal results of the study. Radioactive transit time from foot to groin was not a statistically reliable parameter for detecting thrombosis. The excellent visualization of the venous system, the ease of performance, and the acceptance by the patient of this relatively simple technic make isotope venography an attractive method for the diagnosis of major venous thrombosis. The indications for isotope venography are: (1) as a diagnostic alternative to x-ray venography; (2) as an improved means of detecting pulmonary embolism when combined with a lung scan; (3) as a simple means of following thrombolytic phenomena in the veins of the lower extremities.