Digital subtraction angiography in the evaluation of neoplasms

Intravenous and intraarterial DSA studies were performed in patients being evaluated for possible neoplastic disease. DSA studies were obtained of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and extremities to evaluate the potential use of this technique in the cancer patient's workup. The results of this study suggest that many cancer patients can have the extent of tumor involvement defined using intravenous digital subtraction angiography. However, due to the number of false negative examinations, this study should not be relied upon as the only screening procedure. The current best application of DSA appears to be its use in conjunction with intraarterial injections as a faster and more economical alternative to angiography and in following up these neoplasms with intravenous DSA after appropriate therapy to evaluate possible recurrence or metastatic spread. Hybrid subtraction techniques and/or the development of new contrast media may greatly facilitate the use of intravenous DSA in conjunction with cancer diagnosis.