Related Experiment Videos
Angiographic artifacts that simulate arterial pathology in acute trauma
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Artifacts in angiograms can mimic arterial disease in trauma patients. This study identified common artifacts, aiding accurate diagnosis by distinguishing them from actual arterial pathology.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Acute trauma imaging frequently involves angiography.
- Distinguishing artifacts from true arterial pathology is crucial for patient management.
- Young trauma patients typically have healthy vasculature, making artifact identification important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review angiograms from acute trauma patients.
- To identify and characterize artifacts that mimic arterial pathology.
- To differentiate these artifacts from genuine arterial abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 246 angiograms from acute trauma cases.
- Analysis of identified artifactual abnormalities.
- Morphological and locational assessment of artifacts.
Main Results:
- 35 artifactual abnormalities were found in 30 patients (12%).
- Common artifacts included stationary waves, contrast admixture/streaming, and Mach bands.
- Film handling and static electricity also caused abnormal densities.
Conclusions:
- Artifacts in angiography are common in acute trauma.
- Recognizing typical artifact appearances aids in accurate diagnosis.
- Artifacts can be differentiated from intraluminal filling defects and wall irregularities.