Angiocardiography is a technique for radiographic examination of the heart chambers and thoracic veins and arteries. A liquid radiocontrast agent, typically containing iodine, is injected into the bloodstream, then the tissues are examined using X-rays.[1] To avoid dilution, the radiopaque material is typically introduced with a catheter, a process known as selective angiocardiography. The X-ray image is normally captured on high speed serial media that allows the motion to be observed, such as 35mm film.[2] The process requires fasting before the test, with a sedative and an antihistamine being administered before the test.[3]
Angiocardiography can be used to detect and diagnose congenital defects in the heart and adjacent vessels.[3] The use of angiocardiography has declined with the introduction of echocardiography. However, angiocardiography is still in use for selected cases as it provides a higher level of anatomical detail than echocardiography.[4][5]
References
- ↑ Nath, Judi Lindsley (2005). Using medical terminology: a practical approach. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 97. ISBN 0-7817-4868-2.
- ↑ Selzer, Arthur (1992). Understanding heart disease. University of California Press. p. 43. ISBN 0-520-06560-3.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Timby, Barbara Kuhn; Smith, Nancy Ellen (2004). Essentials of nursing: care of adults and children. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 359. ISBN 0-7817-5098-9.
- ↑ Stark, Jaroslav; De Leval, Marc; Tsang, Victor T. (2006). Surgery for congenital heart defects (3rd ed.). John Wiley and Sons. p. 95–96. ISBN 0-470-09316-1.
- ↑ Donoghue, Veronica (2002). Radiological imaging of the neonatal chest. Medical radiology. Springer. p. 121. ISBN 3-540-66703-2.