Abstract:

Objective To determine the value of ascending venography in diagnosis of nonthrombotic iliac venous compression syndrome (NIVCS). Methods From January 2004 to December 2006, the clinical data of patients with NIVCS (group A + group B) and those with primary chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the left lower extremity (group C) diagnosed with ascending venography were retrospectively analysed. The diagnosis of NIVCS was confirmed by venous CT angiography (CTA). Patients in group A were treated with angioplasty and stent placement combined with endovascular laser ablation (EVLA), and those in group B and group C were treated with EVLA only. Patients were followed up and therapeutic effects were compared. Results Ninety-one patients with NIVCS (n=39 in group A and n=52 in group B) and 554 patients with primary CVI in the left lower extremity (group C) were diagnosed by ascending venography. Patients in group A and group C experienced a significant symptom relief, while those in group B did not. Conclusion The specificity of ascending venography is high in diagnosis of NIVCS, and ascending venography also plays a role in guiding the treatment. It is advised that patients diagnosed by ascending venography need treatment for the venous outflow occlusion and EVLA for the venous reflux.

Key words: ascending venography, diagnosis, iliac vein compression syndrome