Venous thrombosis in acute spinal cord paralysis

Radiolabeled fibrinogen, impedance phlebography and venogram surveillance were carried out in ten consecutive acute spinal cord paralysis patients. Nine patients had evidence of deep venous thrombosis by radiolabeled fibrinogen technique. Venogram confirmed the presence of venous thrombosis in seven. Impedance phlebography was positive in only four. Eight patients developed a positive radiolabeled fibrinogen test after a surgical procedure. One patient with extensive venous thrombosis had multiple pulmonary emboli.