Is an Arteriogram?
An arteriogram is a procedure that produces an image of your
arteries. During the procedure, your doctor will use dye (also known as contrast
material) and X-rays to observe the flow of blood through your arteries and note
This procedure, also known as an
angiogram, can be done on many different parts of the body. The terms
“arteriogram” and “angiogram” (and the related “arteriography” and
“angiography”) are not specific to a particular part of the body. These terms simply
refer to a particular method of observing your arteries.
The words preceding “arteriogram”
or “angiogram” let you know which part of the body will be involved in the
test. For example, an aortic arteriogram observes the blood flow through the
aorta, which is the main artery in your body.
Arteriograms can be used in many
areas of the body. In fact, there are seven different types. They are:
arteriography (extremities: arms, legs, hands, and feet)
angiography (parts of the eye: the retina and choroid)
for the Procedure
How you prepare for your
arteriogram depends on the body part involved. However, there are certain
things you should do regardless of the type of arteriogram.
First, it’s important to let your
doctor know what medications and supplements you are taking. You may need to
stop taking medications that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin or blood-thinning
medications. You may also need to stop smoking before the procedure.
Tell your doctor about any known
allergies you have to medications, shellfish, iodine, or X-ray contrast
material. You should also let your doctor know if you have any history of
problems with blood clotting. Also, if you’re pregnant, make sure to tell your
Your doctor will let you know
whether or not you can eat or drink before the test. The required fasting time
depends on the type of arteriogram being done.
Is an Arteriogram Performed?
The details of your procedure
depend on the body part involved. During a cerebral angiogram, for example,
your head will be held in place in order to produce a clear image during the
However, the general procedure is
similar in some ways. Before the procedure, your doctor may have you take a
During the procedure, you will sit
or lie down. Your doctor will insert a catheter into a vein or artery,
typically in your leg. Your doctor will guide this catheter through your blood
vessels to reach the correct area. Then a contrast material will be injected
into the catheter and the dye will flow into the surrounding arteries.
Your doctor will use X-ray images
to follow the path of the dye through your arteries. This helps to reveal any
blockages. The procedure can also reveal arterial damage or narrowing.
The catheter will be near the
area of any blockage that may be found, so your doctor may use the catheter to
treat the issue during the procedure. Your doctor may administer medication
through the catheter to resolve a blood clot.
Findings and Results
An arteriogram can help doctors
detect several conditions and abnormalities. These include:
- narrowing of
Your doctor will use the findings
to help figure out how best to treat your particular condition.
General risks of an arteriogram
- infection at the place where the catheter was
- blood clots
- damage to blood vessels
Other risks include an allergic
reaction to the dye or kidney damage from the dye used. Some patients may also
experience blood clots or damage to blood vessels.
Specific types of arteriograms may
carry additional risks. Although rare, a coronary arteriography might lead to
low blood pressure, a stroke, or a heart attack. According to the NIH, serious
complications from a coronary angiography occur in 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000 cases.
to Expect After the Procedure
After the doctor removes the
catheter, pressure will be applied to the insertion site.
Depending on the location of the
insertion site and the type of arteriogram, you may need to lie on your back or
keep a specific body part still for up to several hours after the procedure.
Your doctor will give you
specific instructions regarding physical activity and wound care. In general,
you should avoid strenuous physical activity for up to a week. You should also
keep the bandage on the insertion site dry for approximately two days.