Phleborheography of the upper extremity

E. D. Sullivan, C. I. Reece and J. J. Cranley

Phleborheography is a well-established technique for the noninvasive diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity. For ten years we have used phleborheography in the diagnosis of axillary and subclavian venous thrombosis. We developed modifications in technique and interpretation that are necessary for accurate application of phleborheography to the upper extremity. When compared with venography, the sensitivity and specificity of this technique approached 90%. Therefore, phleborheography appears to be a useful screening examination for deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity.