Sequential 2D inflow NMR (SDI) venography was employed to define venous anatomy and pathology in five healthy subjects and five patients, mean age 48 +/- 7 years, with documented deep vein thrombosis. SDI images were graded independently by two observers on a scale of 1,2 nondiagnostic and 3,4 diagnostic categories. All iliac and femoropopliteal SDI venograms were diagnostic. In contrast, only one out of nine calf SDI venograms was diagnostic. SDI is a promising new method to assess the proximal peripheral venous system. Improved imaging strategy is needed to produce flow images of the calf veins.