The Usefulness of Three-Dimensional Gadolinium-Enhanced MR Venography for the Evaluation of Varices in Lower Extremities.
10.3348/jkrs.2001.45.5.465
- Author:
Myong Kwan KO
1
;
Hee LEE
;
Sung Gwon KANG
;
Jeong Yeol CHOI
;
Ju Nam BYUN
;
Jeong Hwan JANG
;
Chae Ha LIM
;
Young Cheol KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chosun University College of Medicine. gangsg@mail.chosun.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Magnetic resonance (MR), vascular studies;
Magnetic resonance (MR), contrast enhancement;
Extremity, MR;
Venography
- MeSH:
Ankle;
Humans;
Knee;
Leg;
Lower Extremity*;
Pelvis;
Phlebography*;
Saphenous Vein;
Tourniquets;
Valsalva Maneuver;
Varicose Veins*
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
2001;45(5):465-470
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To assess the performance of contrast-enhanced three-dimensional(3-D) magnetic resonance venography (MRV) of the pelvis and lower extremities in patients with varicose veins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ascending and MR venography were performed in seven legs of seven patients, and duplex Doppler sonography and MR venography in 15 legs of 12 patients, all referred for evaluation of varicose veins. For analysis, the venous system as revealed by ascending and MR venographic images was divided into 13 segments. For detection of reflux to the great saphenous vein, duplex Doppler sonography and MRV were performed. RESULTS: In ascending venography and MRV, 91 venous segments were potentially visible; both modalities depicted 78 of these, but failed to detect four. Ascending venography and MRV detected 17 and 19 varices, respectively. When two tourniquets were placed around the ankle and knee using the Valsalva maneuver, MRV and duplex Doppler sonography detected reflux in 8 of 11 and 13 of 15 legs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced 3-D MRV comprehensively displays the venous system of the lower extremities and permits assessment of varicose veins. MRV using the Valsalva maneuver allows assessment of reflux to the great saphenous vein.
