ABSTRACT
Aortography is the radiographic technique used to opacify the lumen of the aorta, the superior aspect of the aortic valve leaflets, and all of the vessels that arise from the aorta. In 1980, left ventriculography was recommended as a routine part of the evaluation of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Left ventriculography can be performed with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which uses either an intravenous (IV) or a low-dose intraventricular contrast agent. In 2015, a consensus document from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions provided useful guidance for the optimal use of left ventriculography. Ventriculography can also be used to assess the severity of mitral regurgitation and to identify and assess muscular and membranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Planimetry is more objective than ventriculography for quantifying left ventricular (LV) function. Ventriculography is best performed with an angled pigtail catheter, which avoids some of the pitfalls of endhole catheters, such as inadequate opacification, ectopy, myocardial staining, and catheter movement.
