[MR venography in deep venous thromboses of the leg and pelvis. A comparison of 2D single layer images and 3D MIP reconstructions with phlebography].

A total of 22 MR venograms were performed in 7 volunteers and 15 patients suspected of deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb and pelvis. MR findings were compared to conventional venography in all patients. MR venography is a reliable method for the exclusion of thrombosis proximal to the popliteal vein. In the calf veins, diagnosis of thrombosis is not yet reliable. For MR venography 2D-time-of-flight-inflow-technique and secondary 3D-MIP reconstructions were used and compared to each other. With both methods there were no false negative results in comparison to conventional venography. 2D single slice MR venography showed two false positive results in iliac and one in popliteal vein. MIP 3D reconstructions led to seven false positive results (three iliac, two femoral, two popliteal). The exclusive interpretation of MIP-3D reconstruction is not reliable for decision-making in deep venous thrombosis.