[Thromboses of the subclavian vein and jugular vein and superior vena cava: sonographic diagnosis and control of treatment using tissue-type plasminogen activator therapy].

In the suspected diagnosis "superior influx congestion" sonography performed with the 5 MHz linear scanner is suitable as a non-invasive method for the primary diagnosis of thrombotic occlusions of the vena subclavia and vena jugularis interna, and for follow-up monitoring under thrombolytic therapy. In successful lysis it is possible to verify a sonomorphological and Doppler sonographic sequence of stages from the freshly formed, stratified stage via the high-echo to the low-echo thrombus with formation of lacunae, as well as the recanalisation that is seen at first only at the margins and eventually becomes complete with a flow that varies with the respiration.