[Characteristic contributions of the venous duplex exam]

The major advantage of non invasive duplex scanning is the ability to combine its imaging capability (information on the morphology) with the possibility to detect Doppler spectra (hemodynamic information) of the visualised segment. This new method, mainly used for the investigation of arterial diseases, is more and more applied in phlebology too. The technique is very reliable in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and in the investigation of varicose veins and their junctions with the deep venous system. In these indications duplex scanning is likely to become a standard technique. The use of duplex in phlebology, however, should not be limited to these indications. In this paper the results of some special phlebologic duplex studies are presented: A) changes in the subclavian vein induced by pace maker electrodes; B) utility in the differential diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis; C) efficacy in the control of caval filter; D) measurements of physiologic venous hemodynamics and quantification of phlebologic drug effects.