Venogram - leg - Risks
Alternative Names
Phlebogram - leg; Venography - leg
What the risks are:
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Kidney failure, especially in the elderly or persons with diabetes who take the medicines Glucophage or metformin
- Worsening of a clot in the leg vein
There is low radiation exposure; however, most experts feel that the risk of most x-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.
Special considerations:
Ultrasound is used more often than this test because it has fewer risks and side effects. MRI and CT scans may also be used to look at the veins in the leg.
- Reviewed last on: 12/2/2008
- David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Emile Riggs Mohler III, MD, Vascular Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Ginsberg J. Peripheral venous disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 81.