[Initial experiences with angiodynography (color-coded duplex sonography) in the follow-up of vena cava filters]

In vena cava filter thrombosis, plain films and real-time B-mode ultrasound are not reliably diagnostic. Angiodynography (colour-coded duplex ultrasound) was performed in 15 patients as an alternative to invasive methods. Despite of the relatively low depth of the used 5 MHz transducer, in 14 patients blood flow in the vena cava could be identified successfully. A nearly total occlusion of filter could be demonstrated in one case; in another patient partial thrombosis was not detected. Flow alterations around the filter were seen in the majority of cases. First experiences with the method were satisfying with regard to the particular problem.