Comparison of hand injection with mechanical injection for digital subtraction selective cerebral angiography

100 patients undergoing digital subtraction cerebral angiography were randomized to have contrast delivered by either hand or mechanical injection. We compared the two modes of injection for image quality, the presence of vertebral reflux, possible complications and radiation exposure to the radiologist. There was no statistical difference between the two modes of contrast delivery for image quality and vertebral reflux. Only one definite temporary neurological complication was recorded. However, radiation exposure to the radiologist's hand and body were reduced by up to 70% by using a mechanical injector for contrast delivery during selective cerebral angiography with digital subtraction. We advocate use of the mechanical injector by radiologists who perform regular angiography to reduce their exposure to radiation.