Digital subtraction angiography of the carotid bifurcation

This report described the results of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the diagnosis of arteriosclerotic disease of the extracranial arteries, especially the distal part of the common- and proximal part of the internal carotid arteries compared to the catheter angiography. 50 patients underwent DSA and conventional angiography. In 85% of the patients, the quality of the DSA examination was good. For the internal carotid arteries the standard sensitivity was 91% and the standard specificity 93%. In all patients both vertebral arteries were visualized on DSA. All patients underwent the non-invasive tests (OPG, Doppler, Duplex). These tests and the DSA together cannot always replace the catheter-angiography in case of carotid pathology. We started an investigation to assess in which cases the catheter-angiography can be replaced by DSA to arrive at the same diagnosis. The preliminary results indicate that replacement of the conventional angiography by DSA is possible in 80% of this patients group.