Comparison of intravenous digital subtraction angiography to conventional aortography in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Evaluation of intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV DSA) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm was performed by obtaining catheter aortograms immediately before DSA studies in ten patients. Diagnostic images were obtained in nine of ten digital subtraction examinations. Although repeat injections were necessary in six DSA and three conventional aortography cases for adequate imaging of both cephalad and caudal extension of the aneurysm, average contrast dose was 53 cc (62 cc in standard catheter studies). Renal artery stenosis was diagnosed by DSA in two of three vessels, multiple renal arteries were demonstrated by both modalities in two cases. Digital subtraction and conventional aortographic findings were proved at surgery. Intravenous DSA was shown to be useful in the preoperative evaluation of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. This work was supported in part by U.S. Public Health Service Grant No. HL07334.     

Digital intraarterial subtraction technique of the extracerebral vascular system

We report the results from intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA DSA) of the extracerebral vessels with aortic arch injection of contrast medium via femoro-arterial puncture, instead of the more widely used intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV DSA). Intraarterial DSA is performed using a lower contrast dose and rate, making this study less invasive and costly than the conventional arteriographic study of the aortic arch. Intraarterial DSA provides better resolution than IV DSA. The diagnostic accuracy is almost equivalent to conventional angiography and is largely superior to photographic subtraction angiography with intravenous injection of contrast media.     

Computer processed fluoroscopic images for digital intravenous renal angiography

We investigated intravenous digital angiography using computer processed fluoroscopic images. Computer processed fluoroscopy (CPF) was compared to conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in 39 patients referred for renal vessel evaluation. For assessment of CPF the anterior-posterior images were compared with the corresponding digital subtraction angiograms. 79% percent of DSA and 71% of CPF studies were diagnostic. Peripheral injection of contrast medium caused deterioration of CPF images. Skin dose measurements were obtained in 24 patients. The median dose for DSA was 8.2 rad, compared to 1.1 rad for CPF. It is concluded that sophisticated algorithms should be investigated for digital angiography, so that high image quality can be achieved with a reduced radiation exposure.     

CO2—DSA的临床应用研究

目的：探索二氧化碳气体作为血管造影剂的临床应用效果。材料方法：对１６例患者行二氧化碳数字减影血管造影（ＣＯ２－ＤＳＡ）。其中肝动脉造影８例，腹主动脉造影１例，股动脉造影２例，直接门静脉造影３例，肾静脉造影２例，并与同一患者碘剂造影比较。结果：在８例肝肿瘤中，ＣＯ２－ＤＳＡ显示肝动脉－门静脉瘘（ＡＰＦ）６例（６／８），而碘剂显示１例（１／８）。ＣＯ２－ＤＳＡ显示肝内小动脉分支及肿瘤染色不如碘造影剂。但腹主动脉造影、股动脉造影和直接门静脉造影图像较满意，且副作用小。结论：ＣＯ２是一种安全的血管造影剂。ＣＯ２－ＤＳＡ可得到准确、有价值的血管图像，且危险性小。它是显示肝ＡＰＦ的可靠方法     

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction: use of helical CT for preoperative assessment--comparison with intraarterial angiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate helical computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative assessment of crossing arteries in kidneys with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction and to compare the results with those obtained by means of angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients with symptomatic UPJ obstruction in 42 obstructed kidneys underwent renal helical CT and renal intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA; flush aortography and bilateral selective renal injections). The helical CT and DSA images were interpreted in a blinded manner by two readers, and the results were compared. RESULTS: DSA showed 126 renal arteries in the 41 patients; 56% of patients had supernumerary renal arteries. Helical CT depicted 121 (96%) of these 126 renal arteries prospectively. Retrospectively, 124 (98%) renal arteries were visible on CT images. Twelve (29%) of the 42 kidneys with UPJ obstruction had identifiable arteries crossing the UPJ on DSA images. If DSA is used as the standard of reference, CT angiography was 100% sensitive and 96.6% specific for depicting these crossing arteries. CONCLUSION: Renal helical CT seems suitable to replace intraarterial DSA in the preoperative assessment of crossing arteries in kidneys with UPJ obstruction.     

Digital subtraction angiography for examination of vessels of the leg: use of a 40-cm image intensifier

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using a 41-cm (16-in.) image intensifier was performed in 144 patients with peripheral vascular insufficiency. In most cases the entire peripheral vascular bed from the renal arteries to the popliteal trifurcation was demonstrated with four intravenous injections and four exposed fields: (a) aorto-iliac, (b) ilio-femoral, (c) femoro-popliteal, and (d) popliteo-tibial. In 90% of cases the procedure was diagnostic in all regions studied, while in 10 it was nondiagnostic in one or more regions for various reasons (myocardial insufficiency, inadequate contrast bolus, or technical failure). Most failures involved the distal arteries. In spite of some limitations, intravenous DSA using a large-field image intensifier may replace conventional angiography in routine preoperative evaluation of peripheral vascular disease, with intra-arterial injections being performed when the intravenous technique is nondiagnostic.     

The Budd-Chiari syndrome: angiography and its complications.

Four patients with the Budd-Chiari syndrome are presented. Hepatic venography and inferior vena cavography confirmed the diagnosis in these patients. Angiography was used to evaluate the liver and the superior mesenteric and portal venous drainage. Contrast medium complications, ranging from nausea to renal shut-down and death, were encountered in three of these patients, an unusually high number of angiographic complications. The role of angiography in the Budd-Chiari syndrome is assessed.     

CO2 angiography of transplanted kidneys

PURPOSE: To compare image quality and diagnostic accuracy of carbon dioxide (CO2) and iodinated contrast medium as a contast medium in renal transplant artery angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized, intra-individual study, we examined 17 patients. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed first with CO2 to find the optimal projection. Then at least one confirming run was performed with CM ("gold standard"). The quality of the angiographic studies with CO2 and CM and their diagnostic accuracy were compared. Blood creatinine levels were monitored during three days after angiography. RESULTS: Three of four renal transplant artery stenoses were diagnosed correctly with CO2. The false-negative CO2 angiography was due to poor contrast. There were no false-positive results with CO2. Regardless the inferior image quality of CO2 angiography, its positive predictive value was 100%. Renal function was not compromised. CONCLUSION: The primary use of CO2 as a contrast medium for the angiographic evaluation of renal transplant arteries is feasible and practical. It reduces the amount of CM needed. However, in order to confirm the diagnosis, at least one additional series with CM should be performed.     

Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography: A comparative view

Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA DSA) was performed in 122 patients undergoing a variety of diagnostic and interventional angiographic procedures. Owing to the increased contrast resolution of DSA, diluted contrast material in concentrations of from 12-19% could be employed, thereby significantly reducing contrast material doses compared to doses used with conventional film-screen angiography or intravenous DSA. Patient discomfort was convincingly reduced due to the injection of dilute contrast material. Subtracted digital images could be viewed immediately on a cathode ray tube (CRT) resulting in faster procedures with less catheter time. Savings in film costs relative to conventional angiography were also achieved.     

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography in the preoperative evaluation of renal masses

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 23 patients with renal masses to document tumor extension into the main renal vein or inferior vena cava. The DSA findings were compared with computed tomographic as well as surgical and pathologic findings. Additional data regarding the number of renal arteries present and the relative vascularity of the tumor were also gathered. DSA documented 17 true-negative renal veins, three true-positive renal veins, and one false-negative renal vein. Two patients could not hold their breath long enough to evaluate the renal vein. In 17 of 19 cases, single renal arteries to the affected kidney were correctly identified. In three patients, two renal arteries to the involved kidney were correctly identified. The renal masses were avascular in two patients, hypovascular in five, moderately vascular in eight, and hypervascular in seven. In one case the mass was out of the field of view, and vascularity was not evaluated. In these patients, DSA was an accurate and relatively noninvasive method to assist in the preoperative evaluation of renal masses.     

Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the carotid artery: comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Since 1996, several preliminary studies have shown the usefulness of contrast material-enhanced MR angiography for imaging supraaortic vessels. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography with that of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: A blinded comparison of first-pass contrast-enhanced MR angiography with conventional DSA was performed in 120 patients (240 arteries). MR angiography was performed with a 1.5-T magnet with gradient overdrive equipment, by using a coronal radiofrequency-spoiled 3D fast low-angle-shot sequence after the intravenous injection of gadodiamide. The guidelines of the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial for measuring stenosis of the internal carotid artery were applied on maximum intensity projection (MIP) images and conventional catheter angiograms. RESULTS: Grading of stenoses on MR angiograms agreed with grading of stenoses on DSA images in 89% of arteries. In the severe stenosis group (70-99%), agreement was 93%. All internal carotid occlusions (n = 28) and seven of nine pseudo-occlusions were accurately detected with contrast-enhanced MR angiography. The correlation between MR angiography and DSA for determination of minimal, moderate, and severe stenoses and occlusion was statistically significant (r = 0.91, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation with a large number of patients confirms that contrast-enhanced MR angiography could become a diagnostic alternative to DSA in the treatment of patients with carotid artery disease.     

Cytologic diagnosis of renal carcinoma in the presence of inferior vena cava obstruction: case report

Diagnostic work-up and staging of patients with renal tumors usually includes inferior vena cavography. In this case, complete occlusion of the cava was demonstrated by cavography while catheter aspiration yielded tumor fragments diagnostic of renal adenocarcinoma. Transcatheter aspiration in the presence of caval obstruction can provide preoperative tissue diagnosis as well as accurate tumor staging information.     

三维增强磁共振肺动脉血管造影诊断肺动脉血栓栓塞

目的 探讨三维增强ＭＲ肺动脉血管造影（３Ｄ ｃｏｎｔｒａｓｔ－ｅｎｈａｎｃｅｄ ＭＲ ｐｕｌｍｏｎａｒｙ ａｎｇｉｏｇｒａｐｈｙ,３Ｄ ＣＥＭＲＰＡ）诊断肺动脉血栓栓塞的价值。方法 肺动脉栓塞患者１２例,共行１７次３Ｄ ＣＥＭＲＰＡ,其中４例５次于３Ｄ ＣＥＭＲＰＡ当天进行了选择性肺动脉ＤＳＡ。静脉注射钆喷替酸葡甲胺０．２ｍｍｏｌ／ｋｇ后,屏气获得２４层肺血管连续冠状面像,以最大强度投影法（ＭＩＰ     

Digital subtraction angiography of the thoracic aorta

Forty-three patients with acquired and congenital abnormalities of the thoracic aorta were studied using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after an intravenous bolus injection of 40 ml of contrast material. Abnormalities studied included coarctation, pseudocoarctation, Marfan syndrome, cervical aorta, double aortic arch, aneurysm, dissection, and tumor. Twenty-four patients also had conventional angiography. DSA was accurate in 95% of cases; in the other 5%, involving patients with acute type I dissection, the coronary arteries could not be seen. The authors concluded that in 92% of their patients, DSA could have replaced the standard aortogram.     

Accuracy and safety of carbon dioxide inferior vena cavography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of carbon dioxide compared to iodinated contrast material for determining inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter prior to filter placement, and to assess the safety of CO2 when used for this purpose. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing inferior vena cavography prior to filter placement were prospectively evaluated with use of both CO2 and iodinated contrast material. The diameter of the IVC was measured and compared in the same four locations in each patient for both agents. The diameter was corrected for magnification and pin-cushion distortion. The ability of CO2 to correctly classify IVC diameter as < or =28 mm or >28 mm, based on the IVC diameter with iodinated contrast material, was determined. A consensus panel assessed renal vein visualization with CO2 and iodinated contrast material. Blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation were measured immediately before and after CO2 injection. RESULTS: Among 30 patients, there was no significant difference in the measured diameter of the IVC with CO2 versus iodinated contrast material after correction for magnification and pin-cushion distortion. One of 30 patients (3.3%) in this study was misclassified as having an IVC < or =28 mm with CO2 when, in fact, the IVC diameter was >28 mm based on iodinated contrast material. This could be clinically significant for certain IVC filters. Forty-seven percent of renal veins identified on contrast venography were identified by CO2 vena cavography. There was no significant difference in the blood pressure or oxygen saturation values measured before and after CO2 injection. However, one patient with pulmonary artery hypertension did experience transient, symptomatic hypotension after CO2 injection. CONCLUSIONS: In most patients, CO2 vena cavography accurately evaluated IVC diameter prior to filter placement. In 3.3% of patients, the discrepancy in measurements between CO2 and iodinated contrast material could be clinically significant, depending on the type of filter placed. CO2 was less accurate than iodinated contrast material in identifying renal veins. Although CO2 vena cavography is safe in the majority of patients, it should be used with caution in patients with pulmonary hypertension.     

Intravascular ultrasound as an alternative to positive-contrast vena cavography prior to filter placement.

PURPOSE: In a nonconsecutive series of patients, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was investigated for safety and efficacy as an alternative to positive-contrast vena cavography for evaluating the inferior vena cava (IVC) prior to filter placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 6.5-year period, 30 patients (15 women, 15 men) ranging in age from 22 to 98 years old (mean, 56 years) underwent vena cava filter placement without conventional positive-contrast vena cavography, after IVUS evaluation of the IVC with use of a 6.2-F, 12.5- or 20-MHz monorail catheter system. The rationale for using IVUS included contraindications to iodinated contrast material in 14 patients with renal insufficiency and in four patients with previous life-threatening anaphylactoid reaction to iodinated contrast material; limitations to radiation exposure in four pregnant patients; and inability to otherwise image the IVC of eight morbidly obese patients who exceeded the weight limits of available angiographic equipment. IVUS completely replaced positive-contrast vena cavography, although not fluoroscopy in the four pregnant patients and in the 18 patients with contrast material contraindications. In two of the eight obese patients, IVUS was the only imaging modality. RESULTS: In all 30 patients, IVUS successfully determined the patency of the filter delivery route veins and the vena cava, the absence of thrombus, the location of renal veins, the absence of anatomical variants, and the vena cava diameter at the desired filter deployment level. Successful filter placement was confirmed in all 30 patients either with plain film alone (n = 12), IVUS alone (n = 3), computed tomography alone (n = 1), external ultrasound alone (n = 1), IVUS and another imaging modality (n = 10), or by combinations of other imaging modalities (n = 3). There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: IVUS is a safe and effective alternative to conventional positive-contrast vena cavography for imaging the IVC prior to filter placement in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast material or ionizing radiation.     

Glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome complicated by renal vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli: report of two cases.

Two patients with membranous glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome developed renal vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. Renal disease appears to be the initiating event in this syndrome complex. While intravenous urography and radionuclide venography are useful, inferior venacavography followed by pulmonary angiography are the definitive diagnostic procedures. Follow-up cavography is indicated to monitor progress of anticoagulant therapy in clot dissolution or recurrence.     

肾动脉CT血管造影初步研究

目的：探讨肾动脉CTA扫描和重建技术；评价CTA显示肾动脉的能力。材料和方法：使用ElscintCTTwin扫描装置，对30例无肾动脉疾病临床表现且肾动脉CTA正常者进行前瞻性研究。全部病例经MIP法重建，12例行SSD和曲面改建。随机取50例肾动脉DSA表现正常者作为对照分析。结果：CTA对肾动脉和肾干动脉的显示率为100％，对肾段动脉的显示率不及DSA。结论：CTA是一种微创伤性检查方法。能清晰显示肾动脉和肾干动脉，在很大程度上可代替DSA检查。肾动脉CTA的成功在一定程度上取决于扫描技术，其中利用小剂量试验获得最佳延迟扫描时间十分必要。     

Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography in diagnostic arteriography

Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 133 diagnostic arteriographic procedures during a 10-month period. The increased contrast resolution of DSA permitted the use of a dilute (15%) contrast material. A significant reduction in contrast material dose compared with conventional film-screen arteriography and intravenous DSA was thus achieved. This was especially advantageous in patients with diminished renal function. The dilute contrast material also resulted in less patient discomfort. Subtracted images were available immediately on cathode ray tube display, resulting in faster procedures, and a considerable saving in film cost compared with conventional arteriography. It is concluded that intraarterial DSA is a useful technique that may replace conventional film-screen arteriography in many applications.     

Limb muscle compression: an alternative technique for intravenous digital subtraction angiography

A simple, muscle-compression technique to introduce a bolus of contrast medium from hand or foot injections for intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is described. Fifty millilitres of the non-ionic contrast medium iopamidol 300 was used for each projection. In 18 out of the 20 examinations an acceptably diagnostic arteriogram was obtained. It is suggested that the compression technique is a useful alternative for intravenous DSA when conventional venous access is impossible.