CT Scan - Lower Limb with Venogram Test

Veins are not thoroughly visible on plain X-rays. However, in venogram, a special kind of injection with dyes is given to you. This dye is a contrast material, which helps make your veins visible in a scan or an X-ray and allows your doctor to take pictures of the same. This test is performed to find out if your leg veins are damaged or any blood clots are present in your veins. Your doctor might ask you to undergo this test if your leg is swollen or if you are suffering from pain.

You don’t have to fast or do any special preparations before this test. You must let your doctor know about your medical history. You must let your doctor know about all the medications you are currently under. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are pregnant and breastfeeding, if have a history of bleeding problems or any kidney problems, if you have asthma or diabetes, and if you are under metformin. Your doctor might ask you to follow a few instructions, which is mandatory.

If the results are normal, the scan will show the blood freely flowing through the veins in your leg. If the results are abnormal, it will show a blockage in your veins. This blockage maybe because of a blood clot, tumor, or inflammation. This will help your doctor provide the right treatment for you.

You will have to change into a hospital gown and lie down on the X-ray table. Your doctor will numb an area on your foot and insert a needle connected to IV line into a vein in your foot.

The above-mentioned dye will flow through this line and into your vein. The doctor will proceed with the CT scan and once the scan is complete, he will inject a saline solution to the IV line to flush out the dye. They will remove the IV needle and dress the puncture site.