Extremity Arteriography
Alternate Names : Angiography/Arteriography of the Extremity
Definition
Extremity arteriography is a test to visualize the arteries in any of the extremities (hands, arms, feet, and legs). The arteries are not normally seen in an X-ray, so a contrast material is injected into one or more arteries to make them visible. X-ray images are then taken of the blood flow through the area of interest.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.
Why is the Test Performed?
The extremities arteriogram helps identify and locate occlusions (closure of the vessel), stenoses (areas of narrowing) or sites of bleeding. The test is done for persons with symptoms of vascular disease in the extremity (acute or chronic) or after trauma.
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