SYSTEMIC VENOUS ENHANCEMENT PATTERNS DURING DYNAMIC ABDOMINAL CT

In 25 patients we assessed the enhancement of abdominal venous structu res during dynamic computed tomography (CT). The degree of venous enha ncement demonstrated great variation. In six instances (out of 250 obs ervations) a vessel was visually perceived as not enhancing and potent ially thrombosed, including three gonadal veins. CT measurements were helpful in identifying enhancement, but were occasionally low enough t hat thrombosis remained a radiological consideration. The great variat ion in venous enhancement makes the diagnosis of thrombosis suspect, b ased on CT alone. Corroboration of this finding is suggested, when cli nically relevant.