Radionuclide venography of lower limbs by subcutaneous injection: a clinical evaluation

SC-RNV, radionuclide venography by subcutaneous injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate at acupuncture points K-3, a new alternative of lower limb venography, was recently developed in our clinical laboratory. In some of the previous studies, we have proved its superiority to radionuclide venography by intravenous injection. The current investigation was conducted to understand the reliability of SC-RNV in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Fifty-seven cases with lower leg edema, from Nov., 1989 through Oct., 1990, received both SC-RNV and duplex US for causative evaluation. As a result of duplex US, 26 were considered normal (non-DVT), 19 were classified as unilateral DVT, and 12 as bilateral DVT. In nineteen cases (61%, 19/31) with DVT also a XCT and/or a CV (contrast venography) was taken, that showed compatible results. All of the non-DVT had a normal pattern of SC-RNV, all of the unilateral DVT had unilateral impairment of deep vein drainage in SC-RNV, and all of the bilateral DVT had impaired deep venous drainage bilaterally in SC-RNV. It is therefore concluded that SC-RNV is one of the best choices among available non-invasive lower-limb venographic methods.