Angiography

Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in some cases, an injected dye, to produce pictures of major blood vessels throughout the body. Angiography is performed using:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-rays with catheters

Physicians use angiography to:

• Identify disease and aneurisms in the aorta or in other major blood vessels.
• Detect atherosclerosis disease in the carotid artery of the neck, which may limit blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.
• Identify a small aneurysm or vein malformation inside the brain.
• Detect disease in the arteries to the kidneys or visualize blood flow to help prepare for a kidney transplant.
• Guide interventional radiologists and surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels, such as implanting stents.
• Screen individuals for arterial disease, especially patients with a family history of arterial disease or disorders.
• And more.

CT Angiography

CT imaging uses special X-ray equipment to produce multiple images; a computer then combines them to create multidimensional views. In CT angiography (CTA), a contrast material is injected into a peripheral vein to produce detailed images of both blood vessels and tissues. 

CT/MR Angiography

In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography does not use X-rays. MR angiography may be performed with or without contrast material. 

Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography

A cerebral angiogram (also known as an arteriogram) is a diagnostic procedure that provides images of the blood vessels in the brain and/or head. A cerebral angiogram requires that a special dye be injected into the arteries of the head or brain. Under the direction of an expert physician, this procedure is done by inserting a catheter through a blood vessel (most often in the patient’s thigh), all the way up to the head and/or brain. When the catheter is in the correct position the dye is then injected. At this point the cerebral angiogram can generate the images of the blood vessels in the brain.

Diagnostic Spine Angiography

Spinal angiograms are usually performed to search for an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in or around the spinal cord. These encompass different forms of abnormal connections between the arteries supplying the spinal cord and its coverings and draining veins.

A complete spinal angiogram involves catheterization of numerous arteries on each side of the spine as well as in the pelvis and neck. The spinal arteries are small and optimal visualization may require immobilization and intermittent breath-holding for hours. As a result, this procedure is often performed under general anesthesia.