Complications of orbital and skull base phlebography.

Two complications, one in association with frontal vein phlebography and one in association with inferior petrosal sinus phlebography, are presented. Possible mechanisms for complications are discussed. It is concluded that a significant risk exists in association with inferior petrosal sinus phlebography, particularly in association with vascular disorders of the skull base, while the risk in association with orbital phlebography after frontal vein puncture is minimal if compression of the jugular veins is omitted.