Angiogram
Why It Is Done
An Reference angiogram Opens New Window is done to:
- Detect problems with blood vessels that affect blood flow. Examples of such problems include a tear in a blood vessel (which can cause blockage or internal bleeding), Reference aneurysms Opens New Window (which are weaknesses in the blood vessel wall), and narrowed areas.
- Look for changes in the blood vessels of injured or damaged organs.
- Show the pattern of blood flow to a
tumor. This can not only help show how much the tumor has spread but also guide
treatment. See an Reference angiogram image of a bleeding tumor in the kidney Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window. - Show the condition, number, and
location of renal arteries before a kidney transplant. See an Reference angiogram image of a kidney Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
- Look for a source of bleeding, such as an Reference ulcer Opens New Window.
- Prepare for surgery on diseased blood vessels of the legs (Reference peripheral arterial disease Opens New Window) in people who have severe leg pain when walking.
- Check how bad Reference atherosclerosis Opens New Window is in the Reference coronary arteries Opens New Window.
In some cases, a method called interventional radiology may be used during an angiogram to treat diseases. For example, a catheter can be used to open a blocked blood vessel, deliver medicine to a tumor, or stop intestinal bleeding caused by Reference diverticular hemorrhage. To stop intestinal bleeding, the catheter is moved into the small artery where the bleeding is occurring, and medicine that narrows the artery or causes the blood to clot is injected through the catheter.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 5, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
