Computed tomography of the calves: a screening procedure in the diagnosis of unilateral thrombosis of the deep veins of the lower limbs

A prospective study of twelve patients, referred to the Department of Radiology of the University Hospital of the West Indies between March, 1990 and November, 1991 with a clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis, was undertaken. All patients had computed tomography of the calves, as well as venography of the affected limb. Six patients (50 percent) had positive venographs. Of these, five had a difference of greater than 10 percent between the areas of the muscular compartments of the two limbs. Six patients had negative venograms but only three demonstrated a defference of a similar magnitude. The ratios of the area of the muscular compartment to the total limb area were also compared. Two of the six patients with negative venograms showed a greater ratio in the affected limb. In this study, 83.3 percent of patients who did not have thrombosis of the deep veins of the calves had a ratio of muscular area to total limb area that was less than or equal to that of the unaffected side. This latter finding provides a potentially useful means of screening patients referred for venograms (AU)

The dangers in the use of intravascular contrast media during radiological investigations

The complications and dangers encountered when contrast media are injected into the vascular system are discussed. Suggestions are given in an effort to reduce the incidence of these complications, thereby making these radiological investigations safer for the patient (AU)