Digital subtraction venography in central venous obstruction.

Thirty-five patients had central venous digital subtraction venography (DSV) to assess its value in detecting central line/shunt patency (13 patients) and central venous obstruction (22 patients). All examinations were easily performed and provided diagnostic images without conventional venographic supplementation. The disadvantages of DSV are outweighted by the advantages, which include saving time and money, superior contrast resolution, flexibility of image display, and reduced dosage of contrast agent.