Aortography – what is it?
Aortography, otherwise known as angiography, is an invasive examination of the aorta, or main artery, involving the introduction of contrast into the lumen of the aorta in order to take X-rays. It is used in the diagnosis of aortic dissection.
What is the aorta?
The aorta is the main artery from which all the vessels that distribute oxygenated blood throughout the body depart.
What is aortic dissection?
Aortic dissection is a serious condition that involves damage to some of the layers of the aorta, as a result of which blood penetrates between the layers of the aortic walls, and its pressure leads to further separation of the layers. When damage to the aortic wall extends to its branches, ischaemia occurs in the organ that is supplied by the particular artery branching from the aorta.
Aortic dissection can be acquired or congenital.
Aortography – indications
Angiography makes it possible to examine the quality and condition of the aortic walls. This test is indicated if abnormalities within the structure of this artery are suspected. This examination makes it possible to detect the presence of any stenosis, aneurysm, or, as it has already been mentioned, aortic dissection.
Accurate angiographic examination can determine the exact location and size of the abnormality before proceeding with the actual treatment.
What does aortography look like?
Aortography takes about 30 minutes and is performed in a specialist’s office – in an angiography or haemodynamics laboratory that is equipped with a digital angiography system.
The patient must be fasting, and immediately before the examination the doctor performing the procedure must be informed of any allergies, diseases, blood clotting problems, medications taken and pregnancy.
The entire examination proceeds as follows: First, the doctor anaesthetises the needle insertion site. Typically, the needle is inserted through the right femoral artery, but insertion through the radial artery (wrist) or the brachial artery (arm) is also possible.
A properly calibrated catheter is inserted into the blood vessels. After puncturing the peripheral artery, a vascular sheath is placed, through which the appropriate catheters are subsequently inserted. A contrast agent is then administered to the area to be imaged, and several X-rays are taken. After the procedure has been completed, the catheter is removed and the puncture site is treated with a sterile dressing.
After the entire procedure, the patient must remain under the care of medical staff for at least 30 minutes to rule out any adverse reactions following the examination.
Aortography – possible complications
Aortography is an invasive test, and thus it carries a certain risk of complications. After the examination, the patient may experience nausea and vomiting, and also complain of headaches and chills.
Most contraindications to this examination are related to the administration of contrast. Patients who have a history of severe allergic reactions to nonionic contrast media should not be administered such agents.
Hyperthyroidism and kidney failure are also contraindications to this examination. If diagnosis is necessary, another type of examination can be performed. Pregnancy is also a contraindication to this examination.
*IMPORTANT! The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Each case should be evaluated individually by a doctor. Consult with your doctor before making any health decisions.
