Pulmonary angiography

Pulmonary Angiography is a medical imaging procedure used to visualize the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. It is primarily used to diagnose pulmonary embolism, a condition characterized by blockage in the lung arteries.

Procedure

The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin or arm. This catheter is then guided to the pulmonary artery. A contrast agent is then injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to visualize the blood flow in the lungs.

Indications

Pulmonary angiography is indicated in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, especially when other diagnostic tests are inconclusive. It may also be used to evaluate other conditions affecting the pulmonary arteries, such as pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary arteriovenous malformation.

Risks

As with any invasive procedure, pulmonary angiography carries certain risks. These include bleeding at the catheter insertion site, allergic reaction to the contrast agent, and damage to the blood vessels. In rare cases, the procedure can cause kidney damage or a serious allergic reaction.

Alternatives

While pulmonary angiography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, less invasive tests are often used first. These include computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and ventilation/perfusion scan (V/Q scan).

See also

• Computed tomography
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation

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