CT venography The Phlebology Clinic / Services / Venography / CT venography Introduction Scope of service Preparation Specialists Frequently asked questions Introduction Computed tomography venography (CTV) is an advanced method of imaging the venous vessels using an iodine contrast agent, using X-rays and modern image reconstruction techniques. At the Department of Phlebology, it is classified as so-called extended diagnostics, used after the initial ultrasound examination (Doppler venous ultrasound). This examination allows a detailed assessment of the anatomy of the venous system and the precise detection of pathologies, especially in areas of the body that are difficult to access, such as the abdominal cavity or spinal space. CT venography is particularly valuable in the diagnosis of venous disease in patients with contraindications to MRI, such as claustrophobia or allergy to gadolinium contrast agent. Due to the presence of ionising radiation, we try to limit its use in patients of reproductive age and in ladies with suspected endometriosis. In the latter case, we strongly recommend MR venography. What are the indications for CT venography? Main medical indications for CT venography include: diagnosis of venous thrombosis in the abdominal and pelvic veins (e.g. thrombosis of the portal system, inferior vena cava or renal veins); evaluation of venous anatomy in the diagnosis of venous compression syndromes; diagnosis of recurrent venous disease in postmenopausal women; assessment of complex vascular malformations in the abdominal and pelvic cavities; planning endovascular procedures including treatment of pelvic venous insufficiency in women and men; in patients with suspected secondary compression phenomena (e.g. when a neoplastic process is suspected); a typical 'venous' indication in people who are unable to lie on their backs for more than 30 minutes. How to prepare for CT venography? Up to 5-14 days before the CT scan, blood should be drawn and levels of: creatinine and TSH should be determined; On the day of the test, refrain from eating for 4-6 hours before the test; it is advisable to drink approximately 1.5 litres of still water 2-3h before the test; All metal objects should be removed from the abdominal and lower abdominal layers before venography; to the diagnostic laboratory, it is advisable to have prior medical records and test results; For the examination, it is necessary to come to the Imaging Diagnostics Registration Desk, fill in the appropriate questionnaire and be sure to bring a referral issued by a phlebologist from the Phlebology Clinic; Before the examination, medical staff should be informed of any allergies, especially to contrast agents; at the time of the examination, you must make a declaration that you are not pregnant. Computed tomography venography - preparation for the study. How does the CT venography study proceed? the nurse will check the results of the creatinine and TSH determinations before the examination; Just before the examination, the nurse will insert a venepuncture into the vein, necessary for the administration of the contrast agent; The technician arranges the patient and instructs on the details before performing the examination; during the examination, the contrast medium will be automatically injected through the previously inserted venepuncture; a sensation of spreading warmth in the body and a metallic taste in the mouth as well as a feeling of pressure in the perineal and bladder area are possible; The duration of the test is about 5 minutes on average; Approximately 30 minutes after administration of the contrast medium (patient observation period), the venepuncture will be removed by the nurse and the puncture site secured with a dressing; after CT venography, increased fluid intake is recommended for faster flushing of the contrast agent out of the body (ideally 2.5-3 litres of fluids should be taken for 24 hours after the examination). Why perform CT venography under the guidance of doctors from the Phlebology Clinic? We have the most experience in the diagnosis of venous disease in Poland; we have developed a proprietary diagnostic pathway and proven testing protocols; The state-of-the-art equipment we use ensures the highest quality imaging; we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment on a daily basis; venography is always ordered after phlebology consultation and Doppler ultrasound of the venous system; The diagnostic and therapeutic process is supervised by an experienced team of radiology and diagnostic imaging specialists who deal with phlebology on a daily basis. Make an appointment for a consultationWe invite you to have a phlebology consultation prior to CT venography. Our specialists will help to determine whether this examination will be most suitable for you. Make an appointment Consulting specialists dr n. med. Cezary Szary - phlebologist, radiologist Phlebology, Radiology and Imaging Diagnostics Dr Dominika Plucińska - phlebologist, radiologist radiology and diagnostic imaging, phlebology Tomasz Grzela, MD - phlebologist, surgeon General surgery, phlebology dr n. med. Jerzy Leszczyński - vascular surgeon General surgery, vascular surgery dr n. med. Justyna Wilczko – flebolog, internista Phlebology, internal medicine, radiology and diagnostic imaging Dr Krzysztof Celejewski - phlebologist, surgeon general surgery, phlebology dr n. med. Łodyga Małgorzata - phlebologist, cardiologist cardiology, phlebology, Doppler ultrasonography Dr Marcin Napierała - phlebologist, surgeon general surgery, phlebology Mostlyquestions asked Is CT venography safe during pregnancy? We do not perform examinations using ionising radiation in pregnant women. In such cases, we recommend alternative diagnostic tests such as venous Doppler ultrasound. Is the CT venography examination painful? The examination is painless. The only discomfort may be related to the insertion of the venflon and the sensation of spreading heat as the contrast medium passes through the bloodstream. Is the iodine contrast agent used during CT scans safe? Modern contrast agents are very safe. Sensitisation reactions are extremely rare and the patient is monitored throughout the examination. How long does a CT venography study take? The examination itself takes approximately 2-4 minutes. However, approximately 1 hour should be reserved for the entire procedure including preparation and observation time after contrast agent administration. What is the difference between CT and MR venography? CT venography offers excellent spatial resolution and examination speed, but is associated with radiation exposure. MR venography is a longer examination, but one that does not use ionising radiation. For both examinations, a contrast agent is usually administered. Alexandra: virtual patient coordinator of the Phlebology Clinic Looking for an answer to your question about phlebology services at the Phlebology Clinic? Ask our Alexandra! Ask Alexandra a question My gynaecologist has diagnosed me with varicose veins at the uterus? Can you advise me on what to do about it next? If you have a diagnosis of pelvic varicose veins, I recommend that you consult a phlebology specialist. At the Phlebology Clinic, we diagnose and treat pelvic venous insufficiency and our team of specialist physicians will assist in determining an appropriate treatment plan. 01 / Vascular spider veins Dilated subcutaneous capillaries and reticular veins are a common symptom heralding the development of venous insufficiency. Their occurrence should not be underestimated. 02 / Varicose veins of the lower limbs They are the most common symptom of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Their occurrence should not be underestimated. At the Phlebology Clinic, we treat venous disease causally. 03 / Venous edema of the shin An enlargement of the shin circumference that increases in the evening, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, is usually a symptom of venous insufficiency. Think about having a venous Doppler ultrasound examination! 04 / Pelvic venous insufficiency Painful and prolonged periods, heaviness in the legs during menstruation, pain during intercourse and burning in the intimate area are just some of the symptoms of pelvic venous insufficiency. Find out more! 05 / Venous compression syndromes It is a group of anatomically determined venous disorders leading to early onset of pelvic venous insufficiency and varicose veins on the legs. It affects both ladies and gentlemen! 06 / Venous disease in pregnancy Not sure when to start wearing compression stockings? Do you suspect vulvar varicose veins or have noticed sudden swelling of a limb during pregnancy! Don't wait to develop venous disease - consult our phlebologist for your symptoms. 07 / Varicose veins of the spermatic cord Up to 40% cases of male infertility may be related to varicose veins of the seminal vagina. This form of pelvic venous insufficiency is one of the more common causes of varicose veins on the legs and a cause of discomfort in the groin and scrotum. Early diagnosis increases the chance of a full cure! 08 / Venous thrombosis Swelling of the leg, pain and redness are alarm signals that should not be ignored. Venous thrombosis is an emergency condition that requires immediate diagnosis by Doppler ultrasound. If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolism. 01 / 08 Modern vein treatment We offer treatment both on an outpatient basis and in day ward admissions. The stay is of short duration. The patient spends between 1 and 5 hours in the Clinic. Make an appointment Make an appointment at the Phlebology Clinic
