Angiography of cerebral vessels is an X–ray examination of blood vessels in and around the brain. This test can detect abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms. For some conditions, brain angiography provides better images than less invasive techniques such as CT or MRI.
Conducting angiography of the brain
You can make an appointment for a brain angiography at the diagnostic center by phone. No special training is required for testing. During the session, the patient is usually awake, but is in a calm state due to sedatives. All health parameters of the examinee are monitored by a nurse.
To perform this procedure, the radiologist inserts a catheter into a large artery (for example, the femoral artery) and, under the guidance of X-rays, passes it through the circulatory system into the carotid artery. After that, a contrast agent is injected. In most cases, multiple injections are required. When the dye begins to spread through the arterial system of the brain, the specialist takes a series of X-rays. The second series of images is taken when the contrast reaches the venous system.
Immediately after the end of the angiogram, the catheter is removed. The procedure lasts about 1 hour, after which the patient is recommended 2-6 hours of bed rest, depending on the methods used to close the vessel. The cost of angiography of cerebral vessels will depend on the clinic and the equipment used.
Advantages of angiography of cerebral vessels
Although the cost of brain angiography is slightly higher than imaging tests, this method is the most accurate for studying blood vessel abnormalities. In addition to the high-resolution image, the angiogram also provides information about the blood circulation of the brain with each heartbeat. This procedure allows you to diagnose the following conditions:
- aneurysms of the brain (weakened areas of the walls of blood vessels that can rupture);
- vascular malformations (abnormal glomeruli of blood vessels or their narrowing);
- blockages of arteries or veins in the brain that can cause a stroke.
For each pathology, the cost of brain angiography is formed separately and may vary depending on the amount of planned work.
Therapy with angiography of cerebral vessels
Abroad, angiography of cerebral vessels allows certain procedures to be performed immediately, based on the results obtained. Thanks to the development of endovascular treatment methods, this test has acquired a therapeutic function. For example, embolization (the introduction of microspheres into blood vessels in order to block them or deliver drugs) is playing an increasingly significant role in microsurgical, chemotherapeutic or radiosurgical treatment. Also, if an aneurysm was detected during angiography, specialists can insert metal coils through the installed catheter to prevent rupture of the vessel. Over time, in the weakened area, these coils contribute to the formation of connective tissue, strengthening the walls of the artery.
