Angiography diagnosis in the elderly--current indications in reduced complication rates and expanded therapeutic modalities

A potential higher rate of complications, recent developments in the technical procedures, and expanding modalities of interventional or operative therapy must be considered in evaluating angiographies in the aged patient. Most frequently, imaging of the pelvic and femoral arteries as well as the cerebral vessels was performed in patients older than 70 years, in 40% as out-patient angiography. The risk of puncture-site, vascular and catheter complications, as well as of neurological deficits was not found increased. A higher rate of cardiovascular problems however requires exact internal investigations and evaluation of the biological age. Angiographic information about vascular morphology as a basis for interventional therapy can be achieved today with an acceptable risk in the aged patient.