Extremity angiography

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You may be told to stop taking certain medications such as aspirin or other blood thinners for a short while before the test. However, do NOT stop taking any medicines unless told to do so by your health care provider. Make sure your health care provider knows about all medications you are taking, including all over-the-counter and herbal preparations.

You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and sign a consent form. Remove jewelry from the area being studied.

Tell your health care provider:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are allergic to any medications
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to x-ray contrast material or iodine substances
• If you have ever had any bleeding problems
• Which medications you are taking (including any herbal preparations)

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The x-ray table is hard and cold, so you may want to ask for a blanket or pillow. There is a sting when the numbing medicine is injected. You may also feel some pressure as the catheter is positioned.

The dye can cause a feeling of warmth and flushing. This is normal and usually goes away in a few seconds.

You may have tenderness and bruising at the site of the catheter insertion after the test. If you have swelling, bleeding that doesn't go away, or severe pain in an arm or leg, seek immediate medical care.

The test is done when someone has symptoms of a narrowed or blocked blood vessel in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.

The test may also be done to diagnose:

• Bleeding
• Swelling or inflammation of the blood vessels (angiitis)

Review Date: 11/18/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).