Cerebral Angiogram
An Angiogram is an imaging test commonly used to examine the vessels of the brain, heart, kidneys or other organs to study and detect blocked, enlarged, or malformed arteries. This test, very often used to diagnosis or locate Aneurysms, employees X-Rays and a radio-opaque contrast agent, or dye, injected into the arteries via a catheter to produce an image. Blood has the same radio-density as the vessels and other surrounding tissues and the radio-opaque agent will absorb the X-Rays and not allow them pass through, thus the image produced is actually a shadow image of the dye.
When performing a Cerebral Angiogram a catheter is inserted in the artery, usually in the groin but it is possible to use arteries in the neck, arms, or thighs as well. Once the catheter is in the artery the physician will use Fluoroscopy, a type of X-Ray that provides real time moving images, to guide the catheter into the brain’s arteries. Once in place, a contrasting dye, usually an Iodine based contrast agent for cerebral angiograms is injected and X-Rays are taken. This dye will make the blood inside the arteries, and thus any Aneurysms blockages or malformations, visible on the X-Ray and it is usually injected into each of the brain’s arteries. A technique known as Digital subtraction will remove bony or dense tissue from the image allowing the vessels to be clearly displayed. Your kidneys will filter the contrast dye from your blood and it will be eliminated through your urine.
During the procedure some people have reported nausea, a metallic taste in their mouth, or a warm feeling in the head. Others have reported the head feeling hot and have described it as uncomfortable but tolerable. After the procedure, you will need to lay flat and still for up to 8 hours and for 48 hours you should not drive, exercise, or do any heavy lifting.
As with most all invasive medical procedures a Cerebral Angiogram carries a small risk of complications. These include an allergic reaction to the dye, damage to an artery or blood vessel, stroke, infection, and internal bleeding.
In 1949 Egas Moniz a Portuguese Neurophysiologist, who developed this procedure in 1927, was awarded the Nobel Prize.
Nothing on this website should, in any way be considered medical advice. It is presented as general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of medical condition. I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical or health care professional. Nor am I an expert on Aneurysms. However, I am an expert on the experience of having suffered a ruptured Aneurysm and the subsequent treatment I received. This site should not be considered to be, nor is it intended to be, a definitive source of information regarding Aneurysms. I have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of any information presented here, but again, I am not a medical professional and my own interpretation of this information could be in error.