Vascular imaging

Angiography, which is performed with contrast media (CM) injected directly in the vessel through an inserted catheter, has for several decades been used for vascular imaging. This technique in most cases still offers the best visualisation of arteries an veins.

Ultrasound is a suitable tool to detect aneurysms in abdominal aorta and greater vessels, and is fast and cheap compared with other modalities. Fast CT and MRI techniques offer a non-invasive method of imaging. Currently these are used in imaging thoracic and abdominal aorta, renal and cerebral arteries - with some limitations.

CT and MRI is also used to evaluate abnormal vascularity as aneurysms and malformations in various locations. Probably MRI will become increasingly popular because of its non-invasiveness, ability to produce multiplanar images with very high resolution and no potentially harmful radiation. Ultrasound and Doppler is used mainly to assess carotid arteries and veins in the lower extremities.