Digital subtraction venography of the upper extremity

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Vascular Imaging
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Venography is crucial for diagnosing upper extremity and mediastinal venous conditions.
• Challenges in venous access can complicate traditional venographic procedures.
• Conditions like superior vena cava syndrome require accurate anatomical mapping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of digital subtraction venography (DSV) for upper extremity and mediastinal imaging.
• To assess the effectiveness of DSV in patients with limited venous access.
• To determine the diagnostic yield of DSV across various clinical indications.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-four digital subtraction venograms were performed in 69 patients.
• The studies focused on the upper extremity and mediastinum.
• Indications included swelling, catheter/device issues, fistula evaluation, SVC syndrome, and pre-operative mapping.

Main Results:

• Clinically useful information was obtained in all 74 studies.
• Digital subtraction venography proved effective across all evaluated indications.
• The technique was particularly beneficial for patients with limited venous access.

Conclusions:

• Digital subtraction venography is a highly effective imaging modality for the upper extremity and mediastinum.
• The technique offers simple, rapid, and diagnostically valuable venography, especially in complex patient cases.
• DSV is a reliable tool for evaluating venous obstructions and for pre-operative planning.