Quality criteria for neurological applications of DSA

The further development of quality assurance in radiology requires also criteria for more complex examinations like digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The physical condition of the patient and his cooperation, the knowledge and experience of the physician, as well as the technical parameters of the DSA-unit, and the technique of examination determine the quality of any angiography. Aspects of these factors are discussed. It is found that, especially for neuroradiolgic studies, the complex problem of quality can only be solved in part by measurable parameters. Only the performance of the DSA-system can be defined by measurements. Others factors defining quality cannot be measured at least to the same degree. The most relevant criteria of quality, however, are: Have there been complications and can the clinical question be answered adequately by the DSA-study. (orig.)