Digital subtraction angiography

For the most part DSA has little to offer in oncology that is not provided by conventional arteriography. But it is shown that most vascular tumours, particularly those in head and neck and in bone, can be demonstrated by intravenous injection followed by DSA. Since this offers a simple and rapid outpatient procedure, distinct advantages can be seen. In abdominal, particularly hepatic, pancreatic and renal malignancies intraarterial injection is necessary. However in most instances the saving in procedure time, the reduction in the amount of contrast used, and the decreased discomfort to the patient gives DSA a distinct advantage over conventional arteriography. One must still remember though the occasional drawback of image misregistration in the uncooperative patient, and the risk of the occasional false result