[Value of phlebography in the diagnosis of edema of the leg].

In the diagnosis of leg edema, important phlebographic procedures are explained in terms of their technique and the information they provide. Ascending phlebography is the most important procedure for diagnosis of phlebothromboses, post-thrombotic syndromes, occlusions of the deep veins of other genesis, perforans insufficiency as well as vessel malformations. Additional administrations of selective contrast medium, intraoperative techniques as well as transosseous contrast medium administration are mentioned as rare supplementary methods. Peripheral open measurement of venous pressure constitutes an important additional documentation of vein function. The limits of the information provided are explained with reference to the normal phlebogram as well as to findings of venous reflux disturbances in the region of the deep veins, especially in acute thrombosis and occlusion of deep veins.