koszorúérangiográfia

Koszorúérangiográfia (koronary angiography) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that visualizes the coronary arteries by injecting contrast dye and taking X‑ray images. It is the gold standard for detecting coronary artery disease and assessing the severity of stenosis. The procedure is performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. A catheter is introduced through the femoral or radial artery and guided under fluoroscopy to the aortic root and then into the coronary ostia. Contrast medium is slowly injected, and cineangiograms are recorded in multiple projections. The images are analyzed by a cardiologist or interventional radiologist to determine the degree and location of arterial narrowing, plaque burden, and any anomalous anatomy.

Indications include patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, evaluation of unexplained chest pain, assessment before coronary interventions, and preoperative evaluation for non‑cardiac surgery. It may also be used to evaluate patients with arrhythmias or valvular heart disease that could be related to coronary perfusion.

Contraindications encompass severe contrast allergy, kidney dysfunction with estimated glomerular filtration rate below a threshold, and patients with severe peripheral arterial disease limiting access. The risks are similar to other invasive procedures: arterial puncture complications (hematoma, bleeding), contrast nephropathy, radiation exposure, allergic reaction, arrhythmia, and, rarely, coronary dissection.

Non‑invasive alternatives, such as computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), are increasingly used, especially in lower‑risk populations. However, when hemodynamic or interventional information is required, invasive coronary angiography remains the method of choice.