Phlebography of the deep venous system of the leg in children.

Direct cannulation of the deep venous system of the leg was performed in 74 children (79 legs). Both abnormal anatomy and the functional status of the deep venous system were studied. Fifteen legs were normal and 64 exhibited disease of the communicating veins; 33 of the latter patients also had deep venous disease. The communicating veins were described as typical or atypical; a classification comprising two typical and three atypical types is suggested. Four types of deep venous disease were found: (1) aplasia, (b) ectasia, (c) absence of valves, and (d) post-thrombophlebitic obstruction. Normal and abnormal patterns of function are described, and the importance of these findings in treatment and prognosis is discussed.