[Phlebography in venous thrombosis of the lower limbs (author's transl)].

: Phlebography is the best diagnostic technique for deep venous thromboses of the lower limbs. The authors use the "free flow" technique which they have modified by visualisation of the I. V. C. and I. V. A lacunar appearance or cupola-shaped interruption are indicative of a recent thrombosis, whilst the absence of a main venous trunk and a collateral circulation are more common in the presence of an old thrombosis. They emphasise the possible sources of error in interpretation and the difficulty in determining how long the thrombosis has been present. Despite its disadvantages, phlebography remains the essential examination in order to select treatment in patients in whom there is a suspicion of venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Venous Doppler and rheoplethysmography, less sensitive and less specific, have a place in routine detection and the surveillance of treatment.