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Retrospective Study of Complications Arising during Cerebral and Spinal Diagnostic Angiography from 1998 to 2003
M Leonardi1, P Cenni, L Simonetti
1Servizio di Neuroradiologia, Ospedale Bellaria; Bologna, Italy - marco.leonardi@ausl.bologna.it.
Insights
Cerebral and spinal cord diagnostic angiography is safe, with a low complication rate of 0.1% for transient neurological deficits and 0.05% for permanent deficits. These findings align with established angiography guidelines and literature reports.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Diagnostic angiography is crucial for evaluating cerebral and spinal cord vasculature.
- Assessing complication rates is essential for patient safety and procedural quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complication rates of diagnostic cerebral and spinal cord angiography.
- To compare institutional complication data with published literature and guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2154 patients undergoing digital angiography between 1998 and 2003.
- Detailed review of neurological complications during 5996 selected vessel procedures.
Main Results:
- A total of three neurological complications occurred: two transient and one permanent deficit.
- The complication rate was 0.1% for transient neurological deficits and 0.05% for permanent deficits.
- No adverse systemic reactions to contrast media were reported.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic angiography of the cerebral and spinal cord demonstrates a low complication profile.
- Institutional complication rates are comparable to published data and adhere to safety guidelines.
Summary:
This retrospective study aimed to assess the percentage of complications in the daily practice of cerebral and spinal cord diagnostic angiography at our institution and to compare this with literature reports published in the last twenty years and guidelines for angiography. From 1(st) December 1998 to 1(st) December 2003 2154 patients underwent digital angiography for a total of 5996 vessels selected. Three neurological complications arose during angiographic procedures in the five year period. * Focal neurological deficit resolving within 24h in two patients, * Permanent neurological deficit in one patient. There were no adverse systemic reactions to contrast medium. Retrospective analysis of our cohort disclosed a complication rate of 0.1% for transient neurological complications and 0.05% for permanent deficits.
