[Reduction of the rate of cerebral angiography complications by a standardized study method]

The complications from cerebral angiography encountered in 1034 patients between 1977 and 1982 are described. A standardised technique of cerebral transfemoral catheter angiography is outlined, which helps to reduce the number of complications. The role of the disease for which the examination is done, and the effect of the new contrast media on the risk of the examination, are discussed. Patients with a compromised blood-brain barrier and manifest reduction in cerebral blood flow run a greater risk than patients with other abnormalities. Low osmolar contrast media are better tolerated subjectively. Theoretically, their use would be expected to lead to a reduction in complications but, so far, it has not been possible to confirm this.