Digital subtraction angiography in diagnosis of thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries

Angiography provided the most accurate diagnosis of thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) enabled visualization of the pulmonary arteries without catheterization of the right cardiac regions and the pulmonary trunk. DSA informative value was assessed by comparing the results of this investigation with those obtained on selective angiopulmonography taken as a standard. In 22 cases digital angiograms were of top quality, in 7 of medium quality and in 6 cases of poor quality. DSA advantages over selective angiopulmonography were as follows: a decrease in the dose of a contrast substance, the absence of necessity of catheterizaton of the right cardiac regions, reduced time of investigation and the saving of silver-containing materials