Aortography, or aortic angiography, is an imaging method of examining the aorta using X-rays and contrast. For what purpose is aortography performed? What are the indications for the test? How does aortography work?

Aortographyis an invasive method of examining the main artery, i.e. the aorta. Aortography involves injecting the so-called lumen of the aorta into the lumen. contrast agent and then taking a series of x-rays. The examination is performed after the non-invasive diagnostic techniques for aortic dissection have been exhausted, and have not allowed the diagnosis to be unequivocally established.

Aortography: indications for examination

Aortography is performed to visualize the course of the aorta and to visualize its light. The aortic contrast method is used prior to endovascular intervention to complete the assessment of the location and size of the aneurysm and to detect any damage to the aorta.

Aortography: how is the examination going?

The doctor anesthetizes the place where he is going to insert the needle - usually it is the right femoral artery. Then he inserts the needle into the vessel and introduces the so-called guide. Only then is a calibrated catheter inserted into the aorta through which a contrast agent (highly absorbing x-rays) is administered. Then a series of x-rays are taken. The examination usually takes about half an hour.

Aortography: possible complications

Aortographyis invasive and therefore carries a risk of complications. After the examination, the patient may experience nausea and vomiting, as well as complain of headaches and chills. If you are allergic to contrast, you may experience an allergic reaction in the form of a rash or erythema.

Therefore, often, instead of aortic catheterization, some non-invasive tests are performed that are as sensitive as aortography. They include, among others magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

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