Complication rate with supine phlebography.

The incidence of complications following supine phlebography was studied in 109 patients (142 legs) retrospectively and 89 patients (106 legs) prospectively. Virtually all patients had some discomfort during the procedure, while three patients had delayed pain for up to 4 days following examination. Three patients developed hives, one of whom also had bronchospasm. There were two cases with subcutaneous extravasation. The shorter endothelial contact time of supine phlebography compared to the semiupright technique might explain the reduced incidence of pain.