Dorsolumbosacral phlebography

Two variations on the currently most commonly used technical method for phlebography are described. The first variation involves an original method for visualizing the dorsolumbosacral epidural plexus via the retrograde route from the azygos vein. If necessary this can be associated with catheterization and simultaneous injection into an ascending lumbar vein or into a lateral sacral vein. This method permits exploration from T7 to S1 and provides phlebograms of excellent quality, owing to the reduction in the flow caused by countercurrent injection. The second variation involves visualizing the epidural venous plexus by means of double percutaneous transfemoral catheterization of the hypogastric veins, using balloon catheters. This method is performed easily and rapidly. Preferential flow is obtained via the epidural plexus, and there is less diversion of the contrast medium through anastomoses and less filling of the vena cava. The specific indications for these methods are described. The availability of alternative methods beyond the traditional one renders epidural phlebography more reliable and more manageable, and it ensures certainty of diagnosis.