• Progressive degrees of venous occlusion in the canine hind limb were employed to evaluate the influence of venous disease on the xenon 133 muscle washout test. Increasing degrees of venous occlusion, from superficial venous occlusion alone to total occlusion induced with intravenously administerd thrombin, decreased both resting muscle blood flow and maximal muscle blood flow stimulated with intra-arterially administered papaverine hydrochloride. This alteration lasted for varying lengths of time with all but the group with total venous occlusion eventually returning to a normal flow. The status of the venous circulation must be considered in order to accurately interpret the results of the 133Xe clearance test when used to evaluate arterial occlusive disease. The 133Xe washout test may be an accurate indicator of venous occlusion in a limb with normal arterial supply.
(Arch Surg 111:178-180, 1976)