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Simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography for exudative macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates how often a simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography had therapeutic consequences and if it is useful as a clinical routine diagnostic tool. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 502 consecutive simultaneous angiographies in eyes with exudative macular degeneration were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: A classic extra- or juxtafoveolar choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) was found in 3.5 % of the eyes. A subfoveal predominantly classic CNV was present in 19 % of the angiographies. ICG angiography showed a vascular network in 3 % of the eyes with occult CNV in fluorescein angiography. A neovascularisation supplied by retinal vessels (retinal angiomatous proliferation) was found in 9 % and a polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in 6 %. Other plaques or hot spots were visible in 4 %. In 11 eyes with progressive exudation from PCV and threatening of the fovea, laser treatment was successfully performed. CONCLUSIONS: Combined angiography identifies treatable PCV. Advantages of a combined procedure (easier logistics, no missing of treatable cases) and arguments for a two step procedure with ICG angiography only in selected cases (lower costs, lower rate of adverse reactions) must be weighed against each other.

Adult↗

[Effects of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography on subsequent dark adaptation and the electroretinogram].

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice the electroretinogram (ERG) usually should not be recorded immediately after conventional fluorescein angiography (FLA), because of the bleaching effects of strong light exposure on the course of dark adaptation and on the ERG. Currently it is not known, if indocyaningreen (ICG) angiography using the Heidelberg Retina Angiograph (HRA) has similar effects on the outer retina and if therefore the ERG should also not be recorded after ICG angiography. METHODS: Eight patients with different retinal diseases were examined. After 5 minutes of light adaptation to 160 cd/m2, Ganzfeld ERGs were repeatedly recorded using DTL electrodes during a 30 minutes dark period with a flash luminance of 0.1 cds/.m2. After this dark adaptation period a standardized ERG was recorded according to the ISCEV recommendations. This procedure was followed either by ICG angiography using the HRA or by conventional fluorescein angiography using the Canon CF 60 fundus camera. Within an interval of 5 minutes the above mentioned ERG procedure was repeated. RESULTS: ICG angiography using the HRA did neither affect the course of dark adaptation as measured by increasing b-wave amplitudes during the 30 minutes dark adaptation period, nor the values for each response of the Ganzfeld standard ERG. FLA did neither affect b-wave responses to dim stimuli, nor to stronger stimuli in the scotopic range. However, the course of dark adaptation was significantly prolonged after FLA. The maximum b-wave was not affected. CONCLUSIONS: ICG angiography using the HRA could be performed prior to the recording of the ERG, without any effect on the ERG. In contrast conventional FLA must be performed after ERG recordings, in order not to alter the electrophysiological responses.

Adult↗

Regionalization and the underuse of angiography in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System as compared with a fee-for-service system.

BACKGROUND: Policies to concentrate or regionalize invasive procedures at high-volume medical centers are under active consideration. Such policies could improve outcomes among those who undergo procedures while increasing their underuse among those who never reach such centers. We compared the underuse of needed angiography after acute myocardial infarction in a traditional Medicare fee-for-service system with underuse in the regionalized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. METHODS: We studied 1665 veterans from 81 VA hospitals and 19,305 Medicare patients from 1530 non-VA hospitals, all of whom were elderly men. We compared adjusted angiography use and one-year mortality among patients for whom angiography was rated as clinically needed. We compared underuse in models before and after controlling for the on-site availability of cardiac procedures. RESULTS: After adjustment for the need for angiography, underuse was present in both groups, but VA patients remained significantly less likely than Medicare patients to undergo angiography (43.9 percent vs. 51.0 percent; odds ratio, 0.75; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.57 to 0.96). After also controlling for on-site availability of cardiac procedures at the admitting hospital, we found no significant difference in the underuse of angiography among VA patients as compared with Medicare patients (odds ratio, 1.02; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.26) or in one-year mortality (odds ratio, 1.08; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.89 to 1.28). CONCLUSIONS: There is underuse of needed angiography after acute myocardial infarction in both the VA and Medicare systems, but the rate of underuse is significantly higher in the VA. These differences appear to be associated with limited on-site availability of cardiac procedures in the regionalized VA health care system. Further work should focus on how regionalization policies could be improved with effective referral and triage processes.

Aged↗

Depiction of vasculature in small hepatocellular carcinoma, and dysplastic nodules evaluated with carbon dioxide ultrasonography and angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the vascularity in dysplastic nodules and well-differentiated and moderately to poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) less than 2 cm using carbon-dioxide (CO2) US and angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 115 pathologically proven small liver tumors (0.7 approximately 2.0 cm) were included in the study. There were 31 dysplastic nodules, 49 well-differentiated HCCs and 35 moderately to poorly differentiated HCCs. A comparative study of angiography and CO2 US was carried out. RESULTS: Of the dysplastic nodules, 28 out of 31 tumors were hypo- or isovascular at CO2 US. Twenty-seven out of 31 tumors were hypovascular at angiography. Of the well-differentiated HCCs, 38/49 showed hypervascularity at CO2 US while 24/49 tumors were hypervascular at angiography. All moderately to poorly differentiated HCCs showed hypervascularity at CO2 US, compared to 30/35 tumors at angiography. CONCLUSION: Most of the dysplastic nodules were hypovascular and most of the moderately to poorly differentiated HCCs were hypervascular. The vascularity of well-differentiated HCCs was in between the above tumors. Both CO2 US and angiography were equally effective in demonstrating the vascularities in dysplastic nodules and moderately to poorly differentiated HCCs. CO2 US was significantly superior to angiography when identifying the vascularity in well-differentiated HCCs.

Angiography↗

Three-dimensional spiral CT angiography in the detection of cerebral aneurysm.

PURPOSE: The value of CT angiography in the detection and evaluation of aneurysms was compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or with known or suspected aneurysm were investigated by means of spiral CT angiography, which included 3D reconstruction. These findings were compared with those at DSA. RESULTS: In 16 patients, 20 aneurysms were found; the remaining patient had an ectatic vessel that simulated an aneurysm. Seventeen of the angiographically proved aneurysms were detected at CT angiography (sensitivity 85%). One further aneurysm was identified retrospectively as the result of greater experience in the method. All the aneurysms that escaped detection at CT were 3 mm in size. All the vessels of the circle of Willis, except for the posterior communicating artery, were properly evaluated at CT angiography. Difficulties were encountered in assessing the posterior communicating artery and the extradural segment of the internal carotid artery owing to their close spatial relationship to the bony structures of the skull base and the cavernous sinus. CONCLUSION: CT angiography is a low-risk technique with a low level of invasiveness that is useful in following up known aneurysms. The 3D reconstruction yields further topographic information that helps in the planning of endovascular or surgical intervention. The facility for rotating the reconstructed vessels and displaying them from different angles is of particular value in cases difficult to assess at angiography.

Adult↗

Systemic toxicology and laser safety of laser targeted angiography with heat sensitive liposomes.

Angiography is currently limited by its lack of local and tissue specificity. The dye rapidly fills both the retinal and choroidal vessels and leaks out of the vessels thus hampering visualization of small vascular beds such as occult choroidal neovascularization. We have developed a method of laser targeted delivery based on encapsulating the dye in heat sensitive liposomes, administering the liposomes intravenously and causing them to release their content by noninvasively warming the target tissue with a laser pulse delivered through the pupil. The local release yields a bright fluorescent bolus which selectively highlights retinal or choroidal vessels. A preliminary investigation of the potential side effects of the method is presented. In rats the systemic toxicity of carboxyfluorescein-entrapped liposomes was compared with that of the free dye. No significant difference was found between the two. Non-human primates exposed to repeated laser targeted angiography were monitored over time and no significant side effects were observed. The safety of the laser exposures was assessed by conventional fluorescein angiography and histopathology. Choroidal laser targeted angiography was achieved without damage. Retinal laser targeted angiography was accompanied by mild and local damage in an area remote from the fovea. The study indicates that laser targeted choroidal angiography can be performed safely and holds promise for diseases such as age related macular degeneration with occult choroidal neovascularization. Further improvements are needed to ensure that no side effects accompany retinal laser targeted angiography.

Animals↗

The appropriateness of performing coronary angiography in two major teaching hospitals in Israel.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the appropriateness of using coronary angiography in two major medical centers in Israel. METHODS: (a) Development of dichotomous appropriateness rating by concensus of an expert panel for possible indications to use coronary angiography; (b) applying the panel's rating to clinical data gathered from interviews and records of 499 patients who underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: Angiographies were performed inappropriately in 58% of patients: in 56% neither prognostic stratification was performed, nor was comprehensive medical therapy prior to angiography undertaken. Referral to catheterization from an acute care hospital, compared to ambulatory referral, correlated independently with an inappropriate angiogram. CONCLUSION: In the Israeli public health system there is still a high rate of inappropriate coronary angiography, most of the cases being due to error in management before performing angiographies.

Aged↗

Assessing coronary stenosis. Quantitative coronary angiography versus visual estimation from cine-film or pharmacological stress perfusion images.

UNLABELLED: Visual judgment of stenosis severity from cine-film or single-photon emission computed tomographic dipyridamole perfusion images was compared to assessment of stenosis severity as measured with digital quantitative coronary angiography. Thirty patients with angiographically verified single-vessel disease underwent dipyridamole thallium stress testing within 90 days of angiography. RESULTS: A percent diameter stenosis of > or = 50%, a percent area stenosis of > or = 75%, and a stenotic flow reserve of < 3.75 measured by quantitative coronary angiography (CMS, version 1.1, Medis Inc.) corresponded to haemodynamically significant stenosis as evaluated by visual estimates from cine-film or perfusion images. Quantitative coronary angiography percent diameter stenosis (51.2% +/- 12.6%) correlated closely (r = 0.74) but underestimated significantly visual assessment of stenosis severity from cine-film (69.3% +/- 21.2%; P = 0.0001). However, quantitative coronary angiography percent area stenosis (74.7% +/- 11.7%) more closely reflected visual estimates from cine-film (P = 0.19). Quantitative coronary angiography stenotic flow reserve showed the highest positive and negative predictive value regarding visual estimates from cine-film (88%, 86%) or perfusion images (88%, 64%) followed by percent diameter stenosis (86%, 75% 86%, 56%) and percent area stenosis (87%, 80%, 87%, 60%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of coronary lesions by quantitative coronary angiography corresponds closely with visual estimates from cine-film and haemodynamic significance as evaluated by dipyridamole perfusion images.

Adult↗

Methods of establishing criteria for purchasing coronary angiography in the investigation of chest pain.

BACKGROUND: Purchasers may now define how many clinical procedures they wish to buy. In the investigation of chest pain, coronary angiography provides a definitive diagnosis. In clinical practice, the use of coronary angiography varies, so purchasers may choose the sort of service they wish to buy. We reviewed the extent of variation in the investigation of patients in the Trent Region and present a system for establishing criteria for the purchase of coronary angiography. METHODS: Three studies are presented, based on patients referred to the three referral centres in the Trent Region. First, the appropriateness for investigation, defined as benefit outweighing risk, is determined by expert panel; second, an audit of patients referred for coronary angiography is presented; and third, the likelihood or probability of significant coronary disease is assessed by application of a logistic regression model. RESULTS: According to the panel criteria, 27 per cent of patients in one centre were judged inappropriate for coronary angiography, 28 per cent in the second centre and 10 per cent in the third. When referred for angiography, extent of anti-anginal medication, symptom severity, use of exercise testing, and result of and planned management after angiography varied widely among centres. The likelihood of significant coronary artery disease could be predicted in 86 per cent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in clinical practice does not make the purchasers' task easy. Based upon these studies and clinical trials of coronary artery bypass surgery and coronary angioplasty, we present potential performance indicators which may form the basis of contracts or be used as audit measures.

Coronary Angiography↗

Comparison of cerebral blood flow by radionuclide cerebral angiography and by microspheres in cats.

BACKGROUND: Radionuclide cerebral angiography is commonly used as an adjunct to the diagnosis of brain death. Despite its acceptance as a diagnostic tool, it is not clear whether the absence of cerebral blood flow by radionuclide cerebral angiography denotes a complete lack of cerebral blood flow. METHODS: To compare cerebral blood flow estimated by radionuclide cerebral angiography with cerebral blood flow measured by the radiolabeled microsphere technique, we systematically varied cerebral perfusion pressure (mean arterial BP minus intracranial pressure) in anesthetized cats by infusing artificial cerebral spinal fluid into the lateral ventricle to increase intracranial pressure. We measured cerebral blood flow with both techniques as cerebral perfusion pressure was decreased from its baseline of 111 +/- 10 mm Hg to 20, 10, 5, 0, and less than 0 mm Hg, causing a stepwise decrease in cerebral blood flow. RESULTS: We found a correlation by regression analysis (r2 = .47, p less than .05) between radionuclide cerebral angiography and microsphere measurements of cerebral blood flow, when both blood flow measurements were expressed as a percentage of baseline values. However, if 20% of baseline flow was assigned as a cut-off point for critically low cerebral blood flow (based on human studies), radionuclide cerebral angiography was only 33% sensitive to detect critically reduced cerebral blood flow and had a positive predictive accuracy (of low-flow interpretation) of only 60%. Radionuclide cerebral angiography was unable to demonstrate a complete lack of cerebral blood flow, even in two instances when cerebral blood flow by microspheres was less than 0.1% of baseline. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the ability of radionuclide cerebral angiography to quantify low cerebral blood flow is poor, and that this technique may not identify severely reduced cerebral blood flow.

Animals↗

Contrast-enhanced time-resolved MR angiography of spinal vascular malformations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess the potential and limitations of a contrast-enhanced time-resolved MR angiography technique for evaluation of spinal vascular malformations. METHOD: Two patients with intramedullary arteriovenous (AV) malformations and three patients with dural AV fistula underwent four serial acquisitions, every 17-20 s, of 20-32 coronal 1.5- to 2-mm-thick partitions with a fast 3D SPGR sequence after injection of 0.2-0.3 mmol/kg paramagnetic contrast agent. This was followed by coronal 3D and sagittal or coronal 2D phase contrast (PC) MR angiography. RESULTS: No spinal vessels were visualized in the first (baseline) series. In patients with intramedullary AV malformations, the arterial feeders, nidus, and perimedullary draining veins were visualized in the second (early) series. In the third (intermediate) series, the arterial feeder vanished, whereas the intercostal and lumbar veins appeared. In patients with dural AV fistula, abnormal intraspinal vessel appeared in the third series and persisted, although less conspicuous, in the fourth (late) series. Contrast-enhanced time-resolved MR angiography demonstrated the venous components of the lesion with better conspicuity than 3D PC MR angiography, whereas it was inferior for visualization of arterial feeders. Moreover, indirect identification of the level of the dural AV fistula was possible only on the phase display of the 2D PC MR angiography. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced time-resolved MR angiography is a useful complement to PC MR angiography for the evaluation of spinal vascular malformation.

Arteriovenous Fistula↗

MRI of the pulmonary veins: comparison between 3D MR angiography and T1-weighted spin echo.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to determine the ability of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography to depict normal pulmonary veins in comparison with spin-echo MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging of 40 patients with cardiovascular disease were reviewed. Patients with known pulmonary venous abnormalities were excluded. Using a standard GE 1.5-T magnet, axial T1-weighted spin-echo 5-mm-thick contiguous slices and 3D MR angiography (contiguous slice thickness of 2.5-3.5 mm, 20-30 c.c. of gadolinium bolus at 1-1.5 c.c./sec, 32-43-second breath-hold, coronal and sagittal plane acquisition) were evaluated retrospectively on separate occasions by two experienced radiologists. Multiplanar imaging projection was used for the identification of pulmonary veins. Each lung was considered to have two drainage veins: a superior vein and an inferior vein. Identification of a pulmonary vein was made by visualizing a connection with the left atrium. RESULTS: 143 pulmonary veins (87.5% +/-5.2) were identified at the level of the left atrium on T1-weighted spin-echo images, and 157 (98.1% +/-1.9) were identified on 3D MR angiography (p<0.01). Overall we identified by T -weighted spin-echo imaging 36 right upper, 38 right lower, 27 left upper, and 38 left lower pulmonary veins. By 3D MR angiography, we identified 38 right upper, 40 right lower, 39 left upper, and 40 left lower pulmonary veins. All four pulmonary veins were detected in 22 patients on spin-echo imaging (55%) and in 37 patients (92.5%) on 3D MR angiography (chi = 3.81, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A significant difference is demonstrated between 3D MR angiography and spin-echo MR imaging in identifying normal pulmonary veins. MR angiography provides a complete view of normal pulmonary venous anatomy and could be a valuable tool for the assessment of abnormal pulmonary venous drainage.

Adult↗

Multidetector-row computed tomography angiography for planning intra-arterial chemotherapy pump placement in patients with colorectal metastases to the liver.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the preoperative arterial evaluation of patients scheduled to undergo intra-arterial chemotherapy pump placement. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 30 patients with hepatic malignancies who were imaged with multiphase MDCT angiography for intra-arterial chemotherapy pump placement were retrospectively analyzed. Dual-phase helical CT was performed, and the arterial phase images were processed to depict the arterial anatomy and to identify pertinent anomalies. All findings were compared and correlated with surgical findings or catheter angiography if surgery was contraindicated. RESULTS: Arterial anomalies identified on CT angiography in 20 of 30 patients included a replaced right hepatic artery (RHA; n = 6) or left hepatic artery (LHA; n = 8), a replaced common hepatic artery (n = 1), an accessory RHA (n = 2) or LHA (n = 6), a replaced gastroduodenal artery (GDA; n = 2), an extrahepatic connection between the accessory RHA and the replaced RHA (n = 1), and a common origin composed of the GDA and RHA and LHA (n = 2). There were no additional arteries or anomalies identified by catheter angiography, when available, or during surgery. Only 1 variant, an accessory hepatic artery, was not located during surgery. In 2 patients, the surgical team decided that pump placement was not feasible because of overly complex anatomy as determined by CT angiography. Computed tomography angiography showed an overall sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97%. CONCLUSIONS: Multidetector computed tomography angiography is accurate for the preoperative evaluation of normal and aberrant hepatic vasculature in patients under consideration for intra-arterial chemotherapy pump placement. Axial images alone permit recognition of vascular anomalies, including complex anatomy. Nevertheless, 3-dimensional rendering is useful to evaluate complex vascular anatomy and does not require catheter angiographic confirmation. In addition to aiding in selecting patients ideal for pump placement, MDCT permits noninvasive planning of their surgical approach.

Aged↗

Impact of underuse, overuse, and discretionary use on geographic variation in the use of coronary angiography after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Geographic variation in the use of medical procedures has been well documented. However, it is not known whether this variation is due to differences in use when procedures are indicated, discretionary, or contraindicated. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether use of coronary angiography after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) according to appropriateness criteria varied across geographic regions and whether underuse, overuse, or discretionary use accounted for variation in overall use. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using data from the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project. SETTING: Ninety-five hospital referral regions. PATIENTS: There were 44,294 Medicare patients hospitalized with AMI during 1994 or 1995, classified according to appropriateness for angiography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Variation in use of angiography, as measured by the difference between high and low rates of use across regions. RESULTS: Across regions, variation in the use of angiography was similar for indications judged necessary; appropriate, but not necessary; or uncertain. Variation was lowest for indications judged unsuitable (difference between high rate and low rate across regions = 16.3%; 95% CI = 12.6%; 20.6%). The primary cause of variation in the overall rate of angiography was due to use for indications judged appropriate, but not necessary or uncertain. When variation associated with these indications was accounted for, the difference between the resulting high and low overall rates was 10.8% (9.4%, 12.4%). In contrast, variation in the overall rate remained high when underuse in necessary situations or overuse in unsuitable situations was accounted for. CONCLUSIONS: Across regions, practice was more similar for patients categorized unsuitable for angiography than for patients with other indications. Variation in overall use of angiography appeared to be driven by utilization for discretionary indications rather than by underuse or overuse. If equivalent rates across geographic areas are judged desirable, then greater effort must be directed toward defining care for patients with discretionary indications.

Aged↗

Use of gadolinium-enhanced, ultrafast, three-dimensional, spoiled gradient-echo magnetic resonance angiography in the preoperative evaluation of living renal allograft donors.

BACKGROUND: Renal allograft retrieval from live donors requires an accurate determination of kidney anatomy including the renal arterial supply. Traditionally, conventional angiography has served as the gold standard for obtaining this information. More recently, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has been compared with conventional angiography. Although MRA has been shown to be more cost effective and to have none of the co-morbidity associated with the angiographic process, it still has been perceived to be less accurate than angiography. METHODS: We compared images obtained using a relatively new technique of gadolinium-enhanced, ultrafast, three-dimensional, spoiled gradient-echo MRA with surgical findings in 15 living renal donors. In addition, average patient charge for MRA was compared with that of conventional angiogram. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were evaluated with the gadolinium-enhanced, ultrafast, three-dimensional, spoiled gradient-echo modality and the findings confirmed at surgery. On one occasion, a discrepancy occurred in which an accessory renal artery was suggested on the MRA but was not detected by conventional angiography. The accessory renal artery was later encountered at surgery. MRA was also used to evaluate patient 15 but was unsuccessful due to technical error. This patient was later found to have a positive cross-match with the recipient and therefore did not undergo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We have found the gadolinium-enhanced MRA technique to be 100% accurate and as reliable as conventional angiography in determining renal vascular anatomy in living kidney donors. Additionally, it shares none of the associated potential angiographic complications and allows a 31% cost savings over angiography.

Contrast Media↗

Age- and sex-related differences in the use of coronary angiography in patients undergoing adenosine SPECT thallium imaging.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports suggest sex-related differences in the management of patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: This study examined the pattern of use of coronary angiography in 535 patients initially referred for adenosine single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) thallium imaging. RESULTS: Coronary angiography was carried out more often in patients under 70 years of age than those over 70 years of age [107 out of 322 (33%) versus 50 out of 213 (23%), P < 0.01]. Even in patients with abnormal adenosine SPECT thallium results, coronary angiography was less frequently performed in the elderly [40 out of 130 (31%) versus 82 out of 178 (46%), P < 0.01]. Women underwent coronary angiography less often than men [56 out of 261 (21%) versus 101 out of 274 (37%), P < 0.0002]. This difference was due to differences in patients under 70 years of age [31 out of 138 women (22%) versus 76 of 184 men (41%), P < 0.003)], but not in patients over 70 years of age. In patients with abnormal adenosine thallium image results, the difference between men and women was still present: 37 out of 112 women (33%) versus 85 of 196 men (43%) underwent coronary angiography (P = 0.05). Stepwise discriminant analysis of clinical and scintigraphic variables identified four independent predictors of the need for coronary angiography; the abnormal thallium image results (chi 2 = 33, P < 0.0001); the size of the perfusion abnormality (chi 2 = 7, P < 0.01); sex (chi 2 = 7, P < 0.01) and age (chi 2 = 4, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Coronary angiography is less often performed in women and elderly patients even when initial screening results are abnormal. The relation of this observation to subsequent clinical course and events requires further studies.

Adenosine↗

Penetrating injuries of the neck: use of helical computed tomographic angiography.

The diagnostic evaluation of stable patients with penetrating trauma to the neck remains controversial. Conventional angiography has traditionally been considered the gold standard for evaluation of vascular injuries. The use of angiography for stable patients with penetrating neck trauma has been questioned because of its invasive nature and reported low yield. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the use of noninvasive techniques such as helical computed tomographic (CT) angiography for the evaluation of these patients. Helical CT angiography, a low-risk, rapid, accurate, noninvasive, reproducible technique, is less expensive than conventional angiography. Helical CT angiography also can provide information about potential lesions of associated vital structures such as the cervical spine and the aerodigestive tract. This review evaluates the authors' current protocol for penetrating neck wounds and identifies indications for helical CT angiography.

Angiography↗

The role of angiography in diagnosis and management of blunt renal trauma.

In a series of 223 patients with blunt renal injury, 40 patients underwent angiography. From this experience the following conclusions have been drawn: If a renal injury is suspected the IVP must be done as soon as possible. In most cases the diagnosis can be confirmed. Mild injuries should be managed conservatively and therefore need no angiography. In life endangering injury there is no time for angiography. The operation should be done preferably by a transperitoneal approach to allow good control of the renal pedicle. Patients with severe injuries should undergo angiography. If there is no function on the IVP, angiography should be done immediately to diagnose possible arterial thrombosis. In most cases angiography can be carried out some days after the trauma. This investigation provides an exact diagnosis and helps in deciding about further treatment. If a major part of the kidney has no blood supply, or there is a rupture with a large perirenal extravasation of urine, we recommend conservative surgery to avoid early and late complications. All operations should be done some days after the trauma. All patients with renal injuries, either operated or conservatively managed, should be carefully followed up. Angiography should be done in all cases of post-traumatic hypertension.

Angiography↗