Arteriogram - Types, Indications, and What to Expect

Introduction:

An arteriogram is an approach that gives rise to several images of arteries. The arteries can be of any organ. Arteriogram is generally done to view the arteries of the heart and the brain, lungs, and kidneys. During an arteriogram, the healthcare provider utilizes a contrast dye and X-rays of the organ in order to distinguish the flow of blood via the organ’s arteries. This helps in finding the location as well as the presence of any kind of blockages. Arteriogram is also referred to as angiogram and is related to the word angiography. Both the terms refer to a specific procedure of observing the arteries in various organs.

Aorta is the main artery of the body and is the widest as well as the most substantial artery of the heart. The blood is pumped out of the heart and into the body through the aorta. Aortic angiography or aortic arteriogram is one of the commonly conducted tests in a patient with a cardiovascular disorder.

What Are the Types of Arteriograms?

Arteriograms can be used to investigate several organs of the body. The word before arteriogram generally refers to the type of arteriogram supposed to be conducted.

Mentioned below are a few of the most common types of arteriogram or angiography.

• Aortic angiography for the aorta.

• Cerebral angiography for the brain.

• Coronary angiography for the heart.

• Extremity arteriography for extremities such as the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

• Fluorescein angiography for parts of the eye such as the retina and choroid.

• Pulmonary angiography for lungs.

• Renal arteriography for kidneys.

What Are the Risks of Arteriogram?

Any procedure has some amount of risk involved. Nevertheless, if performed with great expertise, an arteriogram has no specific complications or risks.

Mentioned below are some of the possible risks associated with arteriogram or angiography.

• Allergic reaction to the dye used during arteriogram.

• Kidney damage.

• Formation of blood clots.

• Damage to the blood vessels.

• Low blood pressure.

• Stroke.

• Pain at the site of an arteriogram.

• Bleeding.

• Infection at the place of catheter insertion.

When Is Arteriogram Indicated?

Arteriogram is not a routine procedure that occurs on every cardiologist or healthcare professional visit. After taking a detailed history of the present clinical manifestations of the patient as well as understanding the signs and symptoms, arteriography is suggested. Medical and drug history are also vital tools to determine the right candidate for an arteriogram. Additionally, an arteriogram is known to be a slightly invasive procedure. Therefore, healthcare providers do not directly jump to arteriograms. Instead, an electrocardiogram, treadmill test, an ultrasound of the heart are conducted before the arteriogram. If these tests prove to be of no use, the patient is further suggested for an arteriogram. Arteriogram aids the healthcare provider in determining the extent of damage and the source.

Mentioned below are a few factors that may lead an individual to undergo an arteriogram.

• Blocked blood vessels.

• Heavily damaged blood vessels.

• Blood vessels with abnormal anatomy.

• Chest pain.

• Constant chest discomfort.

• Episodes of a heart attack.

• Coronary artery disease.

• Angina pectoris.

• Pain in the jaw and neck.

• Stiffness of the arms and shoulder.

• Unstable angina.

• Congenital heart disorder.

• Abnormal results of stress test.

• Abnormal results of electrocardiography and ultrasound of the heart.

• Trauma.

• Valve disorders.

• Injury to the chest.

• Difficulty in breathing during strenuous activity.

• Heavy breathing while climbing the stairs.

• Inability to lift heavyweights.

• Decreased ability to perform physical activities.

What Happens During an Arteriogram?

Patients are asked to avoid eating and drinking for 12 hours before the procedure. Breakfast should include only clear liquids. The process is done under local or general anesthesia as per the patient's choice and the doctor’s recommendation. Moderate sedation is given, and the following steps occur, with the entire procedure getting over approximately within three hours.

• A catheter is carefully inserted into the groin or any other large artery of the body until its tip reaches the part of the blood vessel needed to be investigated.

• A tiny quantity of contrast dye is inserted via the catheter into the blood vessel.

• Simultaneously X-rays are taken.

• The contrast dye can highlight the blood vessel and the blockage, which is viewed on the X-ray.

What Happens After an Arteriogram?

The X-ray is then studied by a team of professionals who diagnose the cardiovascular condition. The patient is then monitored for six hours. A radiologist evaluates the patient before discharge. It is always advisable to stay overnight post arteriogram. This is because any reaction to the dye can be corrected. The result is discussed between the healthcare provider and the patient. The healthcare provider decides the best fitting treatment plan or cardiac procedure based on the results. Coronary angioplasty or stenting is a way to clear blocked arteries. There are high chances that the healthcare provider may complete the process of stenting during an arteriogram if in case the need arises.

Conclusion:

Arteriogram is a test that reveals the complete picture of a blood vessel via X-rays and contrast dye. The heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs are some of the many vital organs that undergo arteriogram. Arteriogram is performed after other cardiovascular diagnostic tools have failed to accurately diagnose or understand the underlying cardiovascular disease. In addition, arteriography aids in determining the source of the extent of the damage. Knowing this information can help the healthcare provider shape the best treatment modality.