Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (i.a. DSA) of the lower extremity using fine-needle technique

206 FNA of the lower limb were evaluated retrospectively. Besides evaluation of the image quality of the 1119 angiographic image series, main points of interest were the determination of accuracy of the FNA in comparison to the operative findings, the average radiocontrast agent consumption and the rate of complication. In all cases the image quality was rated either very good or good in the pelvic, femoral and popliteal vessels. 94% of the image series of the lower leg and foot could be rated as well as very good/good although 75% of all patients demonstrated an advanced stage of pAOD. Accuracy of FNA compared to operative findings came up to 82%. The average radiocontrast consumption amounted to 69 ml per examination. Overall, two major complications were seen. I.a. DSA of the lower limb using fine-needle-technique is an easily applied angiographic method of low radiocontrast agent consumption and a low complication rate. (orig./MG)