Thrombosis after elective phlebography as demonstrated with the 125 I-fibrinogen test

The 125I fibrinogen test was used in 54 patients before and daily for 4 to 6 days after phlebography, for evaluating the incidence of post-phlebographic thrombosis. The indication for phlebography was in all cases varicose veins with perforators. A significantly increased fibrinogen uptake was found after phlebography in 4/54 patients in the calf, suggesting development of deep venous thrombosis, which, however, could not be confirmed with plethysmography or thermography. None had clinical signs of deep vein thrombosis. The rather low incidence of post-phlebographic thrombosis compared with other series is discussed.