Dreidimensionale Spiral-CT Venographie zur präoperativen Untersuchung der Varikose

Abstract

Background: The purpose of pre-operative spiral CT venography or veno-CT (VCT) is to provide a precise 3D anatomic depiction of the venous network, to be used as a guideline by the surgeon. Methods : A multislice and multidetector spiral CT acquisition of the lower limb with diluted contrast injection produces about 400 slices in 30 s. Dedicated volume-rendering software compute interactive 3D images of the venous system. Dynamic data are easily exported by email and available for phlebologists and surgeons. As VCT provides no hemodynamic data, an associated color-coded duplex is mandatory. Results: VCT is useful in case of post-operative recurrence (especially of the popliteal fossa), high or dystrophic termination of the short saphenous vein, varices feeded by the Giacomini vein, and to investigate pelvic or pudental varicose veins. A full knowledge of the complex venous networks is possible thanks to interactivity of the resulting 3D model, using rotation and modification of transparency of the tissues. Conclusion : Providing a more complete anatomical information, VCT makes possible a better surgical choice of technique, avoiding anatomic pitfalls, with a more precise and limited skin approach. Accordingly, it may hopefully improve the aesthetic result as well as the efficacy, by reducing the varicose veins recurrence rate.