Radiology, Vol 148, 9-15, Copyright © 1983 by Radiological Society of North America
Work in progress. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography: evaluation in 150 patients
PC Davis and JC Hoffman Jr
As part of an ongoing study comparing digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
with conventional film-screen angiography, 150 patients were examined with
arterial contrast material injections and digital filming techniques alone
or combined with conventional angiography. Of 247 injections, the DSA study
was good or excellent in 236, approaching the quality of conventional
angiography for visualization of vessels greater than 1 mm in size.
Advantages included improved vascular detail in selected areas such as the
skull base, visualization of minimal contrast concentration in diseased
vessels or postoperatively, and imaging of vessels distal to stenoses
without the hazards of selective catheterization. DSA permitted rapid
positioning under fluoroscopic control, instantaneous viewing of subtracted
images, and reduced technologist time and film costs. Contrast material
volume was reduced by 40 to 60%, allowing multiple studies in one sitting
and study of patients with renal compromise.
