Pediatric digital substraction angiography

The possibilities of intravenous and intraarterial digital substraction angiography (DSA) in childhood, involving various vascular territories, are analyzed and summed up. The characteristic features of the methods used in DSA are outlined - quantity of contrast medium, modes and routes of introduction, angiographic sequence and possibilities for processing. Various groups of diseases (volumetric processes, anomalies and variants, vascular lesions) are discussed, and the diagnostic implications of cerebral angiography, angiography of the cervical region, aortic arc, thoracic and abdominal aorta, abdominal angiography, angiopulmography, angiography of the upper and lower extremities are assayed. Advantages and shortcomings of the procedures in various anatomical regions are evaluated. In conclusion, proceeding from the specificity of examination in pediatrics, emphasis is laid on the necessity of individual approach to each single case with a special reference to the indications of including DSA in the general diagnostic scheme. 15 refs., 4 tabs., 6 figs. (orig.)