ANGIOGRAPHY

March 23, 2009, 5:01 am

Angiography is a relatively new development in the field of radiology. An angiogram is an X-ray taken while an iodine substance is injected into blood vessels. This reveals any abnormalities in the organs that they supply. Angiography can be used to visualize the blood supply of every organ in the body. With little danger, many internal parts of the body can be outlined by the pattern of the blood vessels. Diagnoses that were previously elusive are more easily made with the assistance of these X-rays. The only discomfort is that of the needle entering the blood vessel and the momentary warm feeling that may occur when the iodine enters the body. Very rarely people who are allergic to the iodine dye may suffer anaphylaxis (shock) which may be fatal.

Angiograms are done of the carotid blood vessels (blood vessels to the brain) in patients suffering from strokes. An angiogram may show the reason for the stroke and may help determine whether treatment can relieve symptoms or prevent further strokes. Other abnormalities of the brain can be shown with a cerebral (brain) angiogram, such as benign or malignant tumors and blood clots (hematoma), which occasionally press on the brain. Clots may be found in older people who have suffered a fall.

A peripheral angiogram indicates whether there is a blockage in the blood vessels to the legs. A vascular (blood vessel) surgeon might be able to bypass such a blockage or remove a clot that has formed.

An abdominal angiogram outlines the arteries and veins that supply the large and small bowel. Occasionally, older people bleed from various parts of the bowel, and this may not show up on barium X-rays. In these cases an abdominal angiogram may demonstrate the area of hemorrhage and the exact site of blood loss, especially if done at the time of active bleeding.

A cardiac (heart) angiogram shows the blood vessels supplying the heart. This X-ray is suggested for patients who have angina pectoris or who have had heart attacks (myocardial infarction), if the physician is considering a bypass operation to increase the heart’s blood supply.

All angiograms have a small degree of risk. The main danger is bleeding from the site of insertion of the thin plastic tube (catheter) that is used to inject the dye into the blood vessel. Blockage of the blood vessel, which occurs very rarely, usually means that the underlying disease is severe. In most cases the minimal risk of the angiogram is less than the danger of the disease. I have recommended these tests to many elderly patients and have rarely observed serious side effects.

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