Abdominal aortic aneurysm other imaging findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hardik Patel, M.D. Ramyar Ghandriz MD[2]

Angiography is an alternative less often used imaging method for visualizing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Angiography is helpful in determining the precise anatomy of the aorta. It can be used preoperatively in cases of a suspected suprarenal or thoracic aortic aneurysm, femoral or popliteal aneurysm, renal artery stenosis, unexplained renal insufficiency, occlusive ilio-femoral disease, and visceral ischemia.

• Angiography is an alternative less often used imaging method for visualizing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. ^[1]
• Angiography is helpful in determining the precise anatomy of the aorta.
• It can be used preoperatively in cases of a suspected suprarenal or thoracic aortic aneurysm, femoral or popliteal aneurysm, renal artery stenosis, unexplained renal insufficiency, occlusive ilio-femoral disease, and visceral ischemia. However, it is not recommended for routine use in evaluation of an AAA.

• Limitations of angiography include:^[2]
  • Invasiveness
  • High cost
  • Risk of complications (eg, bleeding, perforation, embolization, and nephrotoxicity associated with the dye load)
  • Time involved
  • Exposure to radiation

DSA uses less contrast material, requires less time, and is less invasive than conventional angiography. However, it is not widely available and offers no advantage over a conventional CT scan.

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