What is digital subtraction of angiography?

Digital subtraction of angiography (DSA) is a medical display technique used to highlight blood vessels in areas with dense or bone tissues. The vessels can hardly be seen with other anatomical structures in the way, so they are subtracted from the final image using a reference photo taken at the beginning of the test. This allows doctors to clearly see the involved vessels to identify malformations, occlusion and other problems that could be difficult to find. Testing can take place in a hospital or imaging clinic and may be an outpatient procedure. The test begins with an image that captures all structures in the field of interest before the technician injures the contrasting dye. A series of pictures is taken to monitor the dye when it moves through the blood vessels. Digital processing with computer can remove bones and background tissue and leave a sharp picture of the blood vessels behind. This is a form of fluoroscopy, real -time X -ray display and image quality can be very variableand. Proper maintained equipment operated by experienced techniques is more likely to bring clear, usable images, especially if the technician performs the test often.

This is just one option for looking at blood vessels and it may not be the first choice, depending on why the doctor wants a imaging study and available technology. Digital subtraction of angiography requires some basic equipment that can be available in many devices, unlike more expensive imaging supplies, which are installed only in large hospitals and imaging centers. The correct administration of the test also applies to a certain training to place the patient correctly, select the relevant contrast agents, and monitor the procedure to make sure it generates useful images.

If the doctor recommends angiography of digital subtraction, patients can apply for more information. Maybe they want to know whyThe test is required and what additional steps can be required. For example, if digital subtraction angiography detects vascular malformation, the patient may need magnetic resonance of the skull to provide more information. This might require a trip to another imaging center if the hospital does not have a technology.