Categories: Health

Pulmonary Angiography on Lungs: What Radiographic Imaging Can Show

Reasons for a Pulmonary Angiography

Pulmonary angiography is a test that studies blood flow in your lungs. Its purpose is to find problems such as pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in your lungs), stenosis (narrowed blood vessels), or other blockages in these blood vessels. It is often used after other tests show signs of these problems.

How is Pulmonary Angiography Performed?

This test can be done in more than one way. Invasive pulmonary angiography uses X-rays and contrast dye to visualize the blood vessels. Newer options, such as computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA), can offer safer, less invasive, and more precise options.

Least to Most Invasive Techniques

Pulmonary Magnetic Resonance Angiography (PMRA)
Pulmonary Computed Tomography Angiogram (PCTA)

Treatment for Secondary Effects

The side effects you experience depend on your physical condition and the type of procedure performed. Always inform your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual sensations during or after a pulmonary angiogram. These side effects can include:

Side effects of the contrast dye
Allergic reaction to the dye
Bleeding from the catheter site
Bruising or swelling at the catheter site
Abnormal heart rhythm during the test
Life-threatening side effects

After Pulmonary Angiography

The healthcare provider who ordered your pulmonary angiography will discuss the procedure results and advise you on your options for the next steps. A pulmonary embolism is the most common pathology of a pulmonary angiogram.

Treatment Options for Pulmonary Embolism

Options for treatment of a pulmonary embolism include:

Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Fibrinolytic therapy (clot busters)
Vena cava filter
Pulmonary embolism surgery
Percutaneous thrombectomy

Summary

Pulmonary angiography of the lungs involves tests that examine how blood flows through your lungs. It can be performed using invasive or noninvasive techniques. The gold standard is CT pulmonary angiography. This type of test is often used to locate a blood clot in the lungs based on your symptoms and the results of other tests. Pulmonary angiography can also be used to find other problems that can affect blood flow in the lungs. Results can show problems such as narrowed blood vessels in the lungs or a pulmonary aneurysm.

Frequently Asked Questions