[Pharmacophlebography with dihydroergotamine]

Insufficient imaging of the deep venous system of the lower limb can be expected in phlebography varying in number with the kind of venous disease. Either too little contrast is achieved or even a pair of deep veins are missed. Studying the effects of dihydroergotamine a shift of blood flow from surface to depth could be proven. In consequence a second phlebography after administering dihydroergotamine led to a decisive contrast enhancement in 85.7% and to the imaging of the missing veins in 75%. A control study without application of a pharmacon did not show these results. Administering 0.5-1.0 mg of dihydroergotamine i.v. (providing no contraindication is present) can improve the diagnostic value of phlebography in problem cases.