Aim. To evaluate the role of multi-detector computer tomography venography (MDCTV), compared with conventional venography, as a diagnostic tool in the management of patients with atypical, complicated and/or recurrent varicose veins.

Materials and methods. Retrospective review of 21 patients who had undergone both MDCTV and conventional transfemoral or transpopliteal venography between January 2008 and April 2011 for the management of recurrent varicose veins and/or chronic venous ulcers. MDCTV was performed using a 16-slice CT scanner. Spiral acquisition was commenced 180 seconds after intravenous injection of 150 ml of 350 mmol/l iodinated contrast medium. A reconstruction interval of 1.5 mm was used. Conventional venography was performed by the resident vascular surgeon and was followed by stenting or coiling where appropriate.

Results. MDCTV and venography were compared in 21 patients (6 male, 15 female; average age 55 years, range 33 - 78 years); 8 also underwent endovascular iliac vein stenting. The area under the receiver operator curve (ROC) for percentage iliac vein stenosis determined on MDCTV versus venography was 0.75. Four (19%) false-positive iliac vein stenoses were reported on MDCTV. Ten patients underwent gonadal vein coil embolisation. Gonadal vein size >5.2 mm (range 1 - 11 mm) on MDCTV predicted significant venographic reflux requiring coil embolisation. Three (30%) patients who underwent embolisation did not have gonadal vein enlargement on MDCTV.

Conclusion. MDCTV plays an important adjunctive role in the diagnostic workup of patients with complex venous disease. The findings at MDCTV correlate well with conventional venography.

CT, varicose veins, management