Arteriogram

Also known as: Angiogram or angiography.

What is arteriogram?

If a doctor suspects that a patient has a problem related to the arteries, he or she might suggest an angiogram, or arteriogram. This is a picture of the arteries to look for blockages and other problems using X-ray technology.

What happens during the procedure?

In order to perform an arteriogram a catheter (a long, thin, plastic tube) is inserted into a vessel, typically in the groin area, but sometimes in the arm, and advanced to the abnormal artery. An angiogram is performed by injecting dye (contrast) into the arteries in order to make them visible by X-ray. Simultaneously with the dye injection, an X-ray is taken in the area of interest to identify problems in the arteries or other vessels.

This type of image can also be used to see the different chambers of the heart, as well as the kidneys, extremities, brain or other body parts.

Is any special preparation needed?

Your doctor might request that you stop taking liquids, food or certain medications the night before the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

You may experience pain, swelling, bruising, discoloration or temperature change at the access site where the catheter was introduced. In rare cases there may be an allergic reaction to the dye.


This page was last updated on: July 30, 2020 02:50 PM