Digital Subtraction Angiography For Diagnosing Brain Vascular Conditions

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), commonly known as cerebral angiography, is a specialized imaging technique that has been widely used since the 1990s. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing various cerebrovascular diseases. This procedure is especially valuable for patients suffering from stroke or those suspected of having conditions such as aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Additionally, it can be used to examine intracranial masses or unusual lesions, helping doctors determine their relationship with surrounding blood vessels and assess their nature. DSA is also essential for identifying the underlying causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage, providing critical insights for effective treatment planning.

How Is Cerebral Angiography Performed?

The procedure involves inserting a thin catheter into the femoral artery in the groin and carefully guiding it up to the blood vessels in the neck. Once in place, contrast dye is injected into selected cerebral arteries, allowing detailed X-ray imaging of the brain's vascular structure. This enables physicians to closely evaluate the arrangement, path, and overall condition of the blood vessels.

What Conditions Can Be Detected?

DSA helps identify a wide range of vascular abnormalities. Doctors can assess blood flow dynamics, detect the presence of arterial plaques, and determine if there are areas of narrowing or blockage. It is also highly effective in diagnosing aneurysms—bulging weak spots in artery walls—and arteriovenous malformations, which are abnormal connections between arteries and veins. By providing high-resolution images, DSA supports accurate diagnosis and guides interventional or surgical treatment strategies.