A phlebographic study of the incidence and significance of venous thrombosis in the foot.

A total of 188 foot phelbograms in 100 patients with suspected venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were studied. Thrombus was demonstrated in 59 (31%) of the foot phlebograms. It is concluded that foot vein thrombosis is common, that it may be a source of pulmonary embolism, and that venous thrombus may start in the foot veins and spread into the calf. Foot phlebography should become part of the routine examination of patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.