ARTERIOGRAPHY (Dariushnia et al., 2014.

Quality Improvement Guidelines for Diagnostic Arteriography)

Diagnostic Arteriogram: For the purposes of this standard, diagnostic arteriography is defined as a
procedure involving percutaneous passage of a needle and/or catheter into an artery under imaging
guidance, followed by injection of contrast media and imaging of the vascular distribution in question.

Success: For the purposes of this document, success is defined as the successful completion of
arteriography, including gaining access to the artery, choosing the appropriate catheter, obtaining a
complete set of images, and the timely and accurate interpretation of the findings.

GENERAL INDICATIONS

1) Assessment of vascular anatomy/disease not characterized by other imaging tests;

2) Assessment of small-vessel disease (eg, vasculitis, vascular malformations) in cases in which the
spatial and temporal resolution of other noninvasive imaging is insufficient;
3) Assessment of direct arterial supply to neoplasms.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

CA is absolutely contraindicated if the information sought will not alter therapy or can be obtained by a
less invasive procedure. Relative contraindications include iodinated contrast media sensitivity, severe
hypertension, hypotension, uncorrectable coagulopathy, renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and
certain connective tissue disorders, eg, EhlersDanlos type IV (reported complications at puncture site
and elsewhere). Patient management should address these relative contraindications before the
procedure. Every effort should be made to correct or control these clinical situations before the
procedure.

Examples;

Pulmonary Arteriography

1. Suspected acute pulmonary embolism in which CT angiography is nondiagnostic;

2. Suspected chronic pulmonary embolus;
3. Other suspected pulmonary vascular abnormalities, such as vasculitis, congenital and acquired
anomalies, and tumor encasement;
4. Before pulmonary artery interventions

Abdominal Visceral Arteriography

1. Acute or chronic gastrointestinal hemorrhage;

2. Intraabdominal tumors;
3. Preoperative evaluation;
4. Pre- and postoperative evaluation of organ transplantation;
5. Before interventional procedures.