Value of intravenous digital subtraction angiography for amaurosis fugax

We performed intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA) in 12 cases of amaurosis fugax to evaluate the arteries in the head and neck region. We could detect stenosis or irregularity in the arterial wall in 5 cases (46 %). These 5 cases were treated with surgical or medical antiplatelet therapy. Amaurosis fugax disappeared in all treated cases. We also performed IVDSA in 11 cases with obstructive retinal vascular diseases. Stenosis of internal carotid artery was detected in one case (9 %). IVDSA proved thus to be of value in detecting abnormalities of carotid artery and its tributaries. While it is unlikely that IVDSA will replace conventional intraarterial angiography, IVDSA is much safer than direct arterial puncture and does not require admission in hospital. (author)