Imaging of Chronic Venous Disease

Abstract

The imaging of venous disease has developed significantly over the last few years. In particular, the role of ultrasound has been discovered and developed, contributing significantly to both the anatomical and functional understanding of the pathophysiology of acute and chronic venous disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography show promise for imaging the venous system of the limbs and hold potential for the future. Computed tomography has also developed significantly over recent years and has become increasingly valuable in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolus associated with deep venous thrombosis. However, these techniques have yet to establish a useful role in the investigation of chronic venous disease. The older techniques of venography and varicography have not been completely replaced by ultrasound and still have an important role to play in the diagnosis and assessment of a variety of disorders that affect the veins of the lower limb.