An aortography, aortogram or aortic angiography is a technique of diagnostic imaging which is performed by injecting a contrast substance into the aorta and taking a sequence of X-ray images. It is an outpatient procedure that does not require hospitalization of the patient.
What is it done for?
The aorta is the main artery in the human body and gives rise to all other arteries except the pulmonary arteries. Aortography offers information about the shape, structure, size and position of the aorta, as well as being able to visualize the blood flow inside it. Aortography can be classified according to the part of the aorta that is to be visualized in the test, although the most common is abdominal aortography.
It is used to diagnose different problems related to the aorta, among others aortic aneurysm, aortic dissectioncongenital malformations, double aortic arch, coarctation of the aorta, vascular ring, etc.
A typical sign of an aortic aneurysm is leg pain when walking. In these cases, it is common to combine an abdominal aortography and a bilateral angiography in the legs.
What does it consist of?
Aortography consists of the introduction of a catheter or probe through a secondary artery that reaches the aorta. In the case of abdominal aortography, it is frequently introduced through the femoral artery with inguinal puncture, in other cases it is done through the brachial artery from the arm.
The catheter is introduced until it reaches the aorta, almost always with the help of an X-ray monitor that allows the process to be viewed in real time. Once in the aorta, a contrast material that is opaque to x-rays, otherwise the aorta could not be visualized, since it allows X-rays to pass through and would appear transparent. The aorta can be visualized with other imaging techniques, but the level of detail offered by aortography is greater.
It's a outpatient procedure that does not require hospitalization. It also does not require anesthesia and the patient remains awake. It is not usually painful but it is common to feel discomfort, especially a sensation of heat and numbness.
To facilitate coagulation and prevent bleeding, at the end pressure should be exerted on the incision through which the catheter was inserted for 20-40 minutes. The test usually lasts around an hour, but it is common for the patient to remain under observation for allergic reactions or other complications, although it is normal for the patient to be discharged the same day.