INTRAARTERIAL DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGR APHY (IA DSA) OF THE LOWER-EXTREMITY USING FINE-NEEDLE TECHNIQUE

Purpose: Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAOD) requires adequate diagnostic imagery of poststenotic and postocclusive vascular regions. This study was designed to evaluate the validity of i.a. DSA using fine-needle technique (FNA) especially concerning the vascular area of the lower limb. Material and methods: 206 FNA of the lower lim b were evaluated retrospectively. Besides evaluation of the image qual ity of the 1119 angiographic image series, main points of interest wer e the determination of accuracy of the FNA in comparison to the operat ive findings, the average radiocontrast agent consumption and the rate of complication. Results: In all cases the image quality was rated ei ther very good or good in the pelvic, femoral and popliteal vessels. 9 4% of the image series of the lower leg and foot could be rated as wel l as very good/good although 75% of all patients demonstrated an advan ced stage of pAOD. Accuracy of FNA compared to operative findings came up to 82%. The average radiocontrast consumption amounted to 69 mi pe r examination. Overall, two major complications were seen. Conclusion: I.a. DSA of the lower limb using fine-needle-technique is an easily a pplied angiographic method of low radiocontrast agent consumption and a low complication rate. Essential information can be acquired preoper atively in planning far peripheral bypass anastomoses. Postoperative v ascular complications can be safely assessed.