Angiography
Angiography, also known as arteriography, is a medical imaging procedure designed to identify abnormalities in arteries throughout the body, particularly in the heart and brain. It is often employed when symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or blurred vision suggest potential artery blockages or narrowing. This diagnostic tool can help assess the risk of serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes, as well as evaluate coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and aneurysms.
The procedure typically involves the insertion of a catheter into an artery, usually through the groin, followed by the injection of a radiopaque dye to visualize the blood vessels using X-ray imaging. While the procedure may cause mild discomfort and a temporary burning sensation from the dye, serious complications are rare, occurring in about 1-2% of cases. Patients are generally advised to refrain from eating or drinking for about eight hours prior to the procedure. Angiography serves not only as a diagnostic tool but also helps healthcare providers determine appropriate subsequent treatments based on findings.
Angiography
Anatomy or system affected: Blood, blood vessels, brain, circulatory system, head, heart
Definition: The X-ray analysis of the cardiovascular system following the injection of a radiopaque contrast dye into an artery
Indications and Procedures
Angiography (also called arteriography) is a procedure used to detect abnormalities in arteries of the heart, brain, or other organs. The procedure is carried out when symptoms suggest the narrowing or blockage of an artery, most frequently in the heart or brain. Such symptoms include chest pain or similarly associated discomfort in the region of the stomach or left side of the body. Even if pain is absent, shortness of breath may indicate a cardiac or pulmonary problem. Slurred speech or blurred vision may likewise suggest a narrowing of an artery in the brain. Angiography can therefore be used to determine the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, as well as other problems that may produce similar symptoms, such as blood clots or cancer. Angiography is also used to test for coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and aneurysms.
A patient undergoing angiography must avoid food or drink for approximately eight hours before the procedure. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through the skin, usually in the groin area, and placed into the artery to be examined. A sedative is not necessary, although it may be given to the patient to aid in relaxation.
Once the catheter is in place, a radiopaque dye is injected, and X-ray photographs of the area in question are taken. The procedure generally takes about three hours.
Uses and Complications
Since any blockage or narrowing of an artery will result in an accumulation of the radiopaque dye, the radiologist can pinpoint the site of the block. Based on the symptoms, the physician can discuss the diagnosis with the patient and recommend further procedures.
The most common complication associated with angiography is the mild discomfort resulting from the insertion of the catheter. The dye itself may cause a slight burning sensation, and on rare occasions, it may trigger an allergic response. In 1–2 percent of cases, more serious complications develop. If the blockage results from an atheroscleroticplaque or from a blood clot, in rare circumstances, a piece of this material may break off and lodge elsewhere in the arterial system. The result can be a stroke or heart attack.
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