[The side effects of phlebography of the lower extremities using iohexol. A prospective study]

In this prospective study 463 consecutive outpatients, who had undergone phlebography because of clinically suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were examined with clinical follow-up and impedance plethysmography to evaluate the rate of contrast media complications. Seventy-nine patients had immediate and mild side effects, and one had moderate side effects (bronchospasm); no patient suffered from severe life-threatening conditions. There was only one case of DVT which occurred after an initially negative phlebography. In a subgroup of 40 patients, who underwent iodine-125-fibrinogen scanning after phlebography, the study was positive in 9 cases. None of them presented with any evidence of DVT at follow-up phlebography. Contrast phlebography with iohexol is a safe and comfortable procedure. Low-osmolality nonionic contrast media are well tolerated by the patient.