Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) Technical and Diagnostic Aspects in the Study of Lower Limb Arteries

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the most frequent diseases worldwide; among these, lower limb ischemia is a threatening condition, which can lead to permanent disability if not promptly and correctly diagnosed and treated. A patient’s clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging (e.g., color-Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) are mandatory to carefully assess arterial lesion extension and severity. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a minimally invasive technique that represents the gold standard for percutaneous revascularization treatment of symptomatic patients who are refractory to medical management. However, when dealing with patients with lower limb terminal ischemia, the correct interpretation of diagnostic DSA findings is mandatory for treatment re-planning and to effectively evaluate post-treatment results and complications. The purpose of this review is to provide interventional radiologists and endovascular practitioners with an up-to-date practical guide to diagnostic angiography of the lower limbs, which is mandatory to address correct treatment decisions and post-treatment evaluation.

Keywords

• digital subtraction angiography
• lower limb
• stenosis
• occlusion