Aortography

Aortography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the aorta, the main artery in the human body. This procedure is often used to diagnose and evaluate conditions such as aneurysms, dissections, and stenosis of the aorta.

Procedure

Aortography is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient imaging center. The patient is positioned on an examination table, and a local anesthetic is applied to the area where the catheter will be inserted. The catheter is then guided through the blood vessels to the aorta, and a contrast material is injected to make the aorta visible on the X-ray images.

Uses

Aortography is used to diagnose and evaluate a variety of conditions affecting the aorta, including:

• Aortic aneurysm: An abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta.
• Aortic dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta.
• Aortic stenosis: Narrowing of the aorta.
• Aortic coarctation: A congenital condition characterized by a narrowing of the aorta.
• Aortic valve disease: Conditions affecting the valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, aortography carries some risks. These may include:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast material.
• Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site.
• Kidney damage due to the contrast material.
• Stroke or heart attack due to the dislodging of blood clots or plaque.

Alternatives

While aortography is a valuable diagnostic tool, there are other imaging techniques that can be used to visualize the aorta. These include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

See also

• Angiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Medical imaging

Aortography Resources
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