angiografische

Angiography is a radiologic technique used to visualize the lumen of blood vessels and the heart by injecting a radiopaque contrast agent and recording images with X-ray, CT, or MRI. The term angiografische is the Dutch adjective related to angiography, used to describe imaging studies, findings, or procedures involving angiography.

Conventional catheter-based angiography involves placing a catheter into the vascular system, usually via the groin or wrist, and injecting contrast while real-time fluoroscopy tracks the vessels. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) enhances visualization by subtracting pre-contrast images from post-contrast frames, improving vessel contrast.

Noninvasive alternatives include CT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA), which generate three-dimensional images of vessels from CT or MRI data, often with intravenous contrast. These modalities provide high-resolution vascular maps that can substitute for catheter angiography in many diagnostic scenarios and can guide treatment planning.

Common indications include suspected aneurysms, arterial or venous stenosis, occlusions, arteriovenous malformations, vascular injuries, stroke workups, and preoperative planning. Angiography can serve diagnostic purposes and, in catheter-based suites, may enable therapeutic interventions such as angioplasty, stent placement, embolization, or targeted delivery of medications.

Risks include radiation exposure and contrast-related adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity or allergic reaction, as well as vessel injury, hematoma at access site, and infection. The choice of technique balances diagnostic yield with patient risk and may involve selecting noninvasive imaging when appropriate.