ABSTRACT
A combination of history, physical examination, and noninvasive CT imaging provides adequate diagnostic information. With the exception of unusual cases of vasculitis, most patients who undergo arteriography already have a diagnosis. Modern arteriography has two major purposes: strategic planning and guiding endovascular interventions. Arteriography may provide information used for the strategic planning of vascular reconstruction. The development of duplex mapping, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography is likely to obviate the future need for most strategic arteriography. Treatment strategy is developed as a result of information gained from arteriography. An understanding by the operator of the severity of symptoms is useful since this information is incorporated into the procedure and helps to determine the scope of the angiogram and the detail required. The paravisceral segment of the aorta is seen best when the catheter is placed at or just proximal to the level of the diaphragm.
