Imaging venous disease: pearls and pitfalls

Abstract

In this day of rapidly advancing quantitative and molecular imaging techniques, imaging of veins and venous pathology still primarily relies on qualitative interpretation of ultrasound and venographic images. This article is primarily dedicated to understanding the nuances of the qualitative use of these two, by now, "old-fashioned" modalities. As such, the article is an attempt to help the imaging practitioner, in their daily practice, to avoid some of the interpretive mishaps that can befall the unwary. There are special strengths of the 3-dimensional imaging techniques of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography venography that will be briefly mentioned and discussed as to when and where they should be added to the venous imaging armamentarium.

Keywords: Venous imaging; vein ultrasound; venography.