AngiogramTest OverviewAn angiogram is an
X-ray test that uses a special dye and camera (fluoroscopy) to take pictures of the blood flow in an
artery (such as the
aorta) or a vein (such as the vena cava). An angiogram
can be used to look at the arteries or veins in the head, arms, legs, chest,
back, or belly. Common angiograms can look at the arteries near
the heart (coronary angiogram), lungs (pulmonary angiogram), brain (cerebral
angiogram), head and neck (carotid angiogram), legs or arms (peripheral), and
the aorta (aortogram). During an angiogram, a thin tube called a
catheter is placed into a blood vessel in the groin (femoral artery or vein) or
just above the elbow (brachial artery or vein). See a picture of
catheter placement in the femoral vein  . The catheter is guided to the area to be
studied. Then an iodine dye (contrast material) is injected into the
vessel to make the area show clearly on the X-ray pictures. This method is
known as conventional or catheter angiogram. The angiogram pictures can be made
into regular X-ray films or stored as digital pictures in a computer. An angiogram can find a bulge in a blood vessel (aneurysm). It
can also show narrowing or a blockage in a blood vessel that affects blood
flow. An angiogram can show if
coronary artery disease is present and how bad it
is. A
magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) or
computed tomography angiogram (CTA) may be an option
instead of an angiogram. Each of these tests is less invasive than a standard
angiogram. Some MRA tests and all CTA tests require an injection of dye. A CTA
also involves radiation exposure.  Should I have an angiogram to test for coronary artery disease?
© 1995-2009, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
|
|
