Arecoline

Medical imaging technique

Aortography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the aorta, the largest artery in the human body. This procedure is a type of angiography, which involves the use of contrast media to enhance the visibility of blood vessels on X-ray images. Aortography is primarily used to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the aorta, such as aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and aortic stenosis.

Procedure

Aortography is typically performed in a catheterization laboratory. The procedure begins with the insertion of a catheter into a large artery, usually the femoral artery in the groin. The catheter is then guided through the arterial system to the aorta. Once in place, a contrast agent is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to visualize the aorta and its branches.

The procedure can be performed using different techniques, including:

• Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA): This technique involves taking two sets of images, one before and one after the injection of contrast. The pre-contrast images are subtracted from the post-contrast images to enhance the visibility of the blood vessels.
• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): This is a non-invasive alternative that uses CT scanning to obtain detailed images of the aorta after the injection of contrast material.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): This technique uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the aorta without the need for ionizing radiation.

Indications

Aortography is indicated for the evaluation of various aortic pathologies, including:

• Aortic aneurysm: Aortography can help determine the size and extent of an aneurysm.
• Aortic dissection: The procedure can identify the presence and location of a dissection.
• Aortic stenosis: Aortography can assess the severity of stenosis and its impact on blood flow.
• Congenital heart defects: It can be used to evaluate structural abnormalities of the aorta.

Risks and Complications

As with any invasive procedure, aortography carries certain risks, including:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast material
• Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter insertion site
• Infection
• Kidney damage due to contrast material
• Radiation exposure

History

The development of aortography dates back to the early 20th century, with significant advancements in imaging technology and techniques over the decades. The introduction of digital subtraction angiography in the 1970s revolutionized the field by providing clearer images with less contrast material.

Related pages

• Angiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Computed tomography
• Magnetic resonance imaging

Gallery

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  Aortography image showing calcification in the aorta.

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  Arecoline chemical structure
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  3D model of Arecoline
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  Synthesis pathway of Arecoline
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  Alternative synthesis of Arecoline