Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsReasons for ItTechniquesMeaning of ResultsTreatment for Side EffectsAfter Pulmonary Angiography

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Reasons for It

Techniques

Meaning of Results

Treatment for Side Effects

After Pulmonary Angiography

Pulmonary angiography is a test that studies blood flow in your lungs. Its purpose is to find problems such aspulmonary 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.

This test can be done in more than one way. Invasive pulmonary angiography usesX-raysandcontrast dyeto visualize the blood vessels. Newer options, such as computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA), can offer safer, less invasive, and more precise options.

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person listening to lungs

Reasons for a Pulmonary Angiography

Your healthcare provider may order a pulmonary angiography to detect the presence of blood clots and other blockages that can interfere with normal blood flow in your lungs. The test may be used for the following reasons:

Blood clot symptoms can include:

When these conditions occur, your healthcare provider may recommend CT pulmonary angiography because this technique has the following advantages over traditional angiography:

Emergency Symptoms Related to Pulmonary BlockagesSince it’s impossible to self-diagnose a pulmonary embolism, a pulmonary angiogram can help healthcare providers give a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Call 911 or seek emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms that might indicate a pulmonary blockage:Arrhythmia(irregular or faster-than-normal heartbeat)Bluish skinChest painthat worsens when you breathe deeplyCoughing, orcoughing up bloodDifficulty breathingLight-headednessor dizziness

Since it’s impossible to self-diagnose a pulmonary embolism, a pulmonary angiogram can help healthcare providers give a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Call 911 or seek emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms that might indicate a pulmonary blockage:Arrhythmia(irregular or faster-than-normal heartbeat)Bluish skinChest painthat worsens when you breathe deeplyCoughing, orcoughing up bloodDifficulty breathingLight-headednessor dizziness

Since it’s impossible to self-diagnose a pulmonary embolism, a pulmonary angiogram can help healthcare providers give a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Call 911 or seek emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms that might indicate a pulmonary blockage:

Least to Most Invasive Techniques

Pulmonary Magnetic Resonance Angiography (PMRA)

While the use of MRI lags behind the gold standard computed tomography angiogram (CTA) in use, research indicates that PMRA can provide accuracy comparable to a CT scan without the risk of radiation exposure. The main advantage of PMRA is the unique combination of structural and functional imaging.

PMRA involves lying on your back while the table is rolled into the center of the MRI. The procedure may be used with or without contrast dye. It requires extended holding of your breath, which may be a problem for some people with respiratory problems. The procedure can take 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the focus area and number of scans.

During the procedure, you will hear loud thumping noises. Earplugs or headphones can help to reduce the effects of the noise.

Pulmonary Computed Tomography Angiogram (PCTA)

Pulmonary computed tomography angiogram (PCTA) is considered the first-choice diagnostic imaging technique when a pulmonary embolism is suspected.

PCTA is an X-ray in which contrast materials are used to capture images of your pulmonary arteries (the blood vessels that run from your heart to your lungs). During the procedure, dye is injected into a vein in your arm and travels to the blood vessels in your lungs.

As you lie inside the CT scanner, the machine’s X-ray beams send images to a computer that creates multiple separate images, called slices, of your lungs. The dye makes your arteries appear bright and white on the scan pictures so blockages can be easier to see. It may also be used to check blood vessels before or during surgery to treat blockages in your pulmonary arteries.

Depending on the images needed, the scan can often be completed within a few minutes or less. The scans produce detailed 2D images that a computer can combine to form three-dimensional (3D) images. During the test, the following temporary sensations are normal:

Digital Subtraction Pulmonary Angiography

Digital subtraction pulmonary angiography is an X-ray image of blood vessels in the lungs. It involves injecting contrast dye into the groin or arm.

A pulmonary angiogram involves the insertion of a thincatheter(flexible tube) into your groin or arm. A local anesthetic is used at the site of the insertion. The catheter is guided through the vein to the right side of your heart and into yourpulmonary artery, which leads to your lungs.Fluoroscopy(imaging that works like an X-ray of moving body parts) is used to position the catheter correctly. Contrast dye is injected into the catheter when it is properly placed.

With the emergence of minimally invasive imaging modalities such as MRA and CTPA, the role of invasive pulmonary angiography is shifting from a diagnostic tool to a procedure used to assist advanced therapies for conditions such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, pulmonary artery stenosis, and aneurysms.

Healthcare Providers Involved in the Administration of CT AngiographyThe following healthcare providers typically administer a pulmonary angiogram:RadiologistNurseTechnician

Healthcare Providers Involved in the Administration of CT Angiography

The following healthcare providers typically administer a pulmonary angiogram:RadiologistNurseTechnician

The following healthcare providers typically administer a pulmonary angiogram:

Picture of Lungs: Meaning of Results

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 can include:

Purpose and Side Effects of an Angiogram

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.

Options for treatment of a pulmonary embolism include:

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.

If your healthcare provider advises this type of test, make sure you are aware of the purpose of the test, the type of test being done, and your risk of side effects. Knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions about your health and remain more relaxed during this procedure.

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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stanford Medicine Health Care.Pulmonary angiogram.Bae JY, Murugiah K.Invasive pulmonary angiogram performance and interpretation in the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease.Interv Cardiol Clin. 2023;12(3):299-307. doi:10.1016/j.iccl.2023.03.002St. Vincent’s Hospital Lung Health.CTPA (CT pulmonary angiogram).MedlinePlus.Pulmonary angiography.RadiologyInfo.org.CT angiography (CTA).PrestigeER. Respiratory problems.When to go to the ER.Stop The Clot, Spread the Word.Tell your doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a blood clot.Medcons Online.MRI of the lungs and bronchi: respiratory organs seen in tiniest detail.Mohammad, A.H., Mostafa, H.M., Megaly, H.I.et al.Role of MRI in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.Egypt J Bronchol17, 40 (2023). doi:10.1186/s43168-023-00212-7Doğan H, de Roos A, Geleijins J, Huisman MV, Kroft LJ.The role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pulmonary embolism.Diagn Interv Radiol. 2015;21(4):307-316. doi:10.5152/dir.2015.14403Mount Sinai.CT-angiography - chest.MedlinePlus.Pulmonary angiography.Mount Sinai.Pulmonary angiography.Bae JY, Murugiah K.Invasive pulmonary angiogram performance and interpretation in the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease.Interv Cardiol Clin. 2023;12(3):299-307. doi:10.1016/j.iccl.2023.03.002University of Rochester.Pulmonary angiogram.MyHealth Alberta.Angiogram of the lung: test overview.NHS Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.Going home after your daycase angiogram/angioplasty.Cedars Sinai.Pulmonary embolism.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Stanford Medicine Health Care.Pulmonary angiogram.Bae JY, Murugiah K.Invasive pulmonary angiogram performance and interpretation in the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease.Interv Cardiol Clin. 2023;12(3):299-307. doi:10.1016/j.iccl.2023.03.002St. Vincent’s Hospital Lung Health.CTPA (CT pulmonary angiogram).MedlinePlus.Pulmonary angiography.RadiologyInfo.org.CT angiography (CTA).PrestigeER. Respiratory problems.When to go to the ER.Stop The Clot, Spread the Word.Tell your doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a blood clot.Medcons Online.MRI of the lungs and bronchi: respiratory organs seen in tiniest detail.Mohammad, A.H., Mostafa, H.M., Megaly, H.I.et al.Role of MRI in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.Egypt J Bronchol17, 40 (2023). doi:10.1186/s43168-023-00212-7Doğan H, de Roos A, Geleijins J, Huisman MV, Kroft LJ.The role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pulmonary embolism.Diagn Interv Radiol. 2015;21(4):307-316. doi:10.5152/dir.2015.14403Mount Sinai.CT-angiography - chest.MedlinePlus.Pulmonary angiography.Mount Sinai.Pulmonary angiography.Bae JY, Murugiah K.Invasive pulmonary angiogram performance and interpretation in the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease.Interv Cardiol Clin. 2023;12(3):299-307. doi:10.1016/j.iccl.2023.03.002University of Rochester.Pulmonary angiogram.MyHealth Alberta.Angiogram of the lung: test overview.NHS Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.Going home after your daycase angiogram/angioplasty.Cedars Sinai.Pulmonary embolism.

Stanford Medicine Health Care.Pulmonary angiogram.

Bae JY, Murugiah K.Invasive pulmonary angiogram performance and interpretation in the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease.Interv Cardiol Clin. 2023;12(3):299-307. doi:10.1016/j.iccl.2023.03.002

St. Vincent’s Hospital Lung Health.CTPA (CT pulmonary angiogram).

MedlinePlus.Pulmonary angiography.

RadiologyInfo.org.CT angiography (CTA).

PrestigeER. Respiratory problems.When to go to the ER.

Stop The Clot, Spread the Word.Tell your doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a blood clot.

Medcons Online.MRI of the lungs and bronchi: respiratory organs seen in tiniest detail.

Mohammad, A.H., Mostafa, H.M., Megaly, H.I.et al.Role of MRI in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.Egypt J Bronchol17, 40 (2023). doi:10.1186/s43168-023-00212-7

Doğan H, de Roos A, Geleijins J, Huisman MV, Kroft LJ.The role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pulmonary embolism.Diagn Interv Radiol. 2015;21(4):307-316. doi:10.5152/dir.2015.14403

Mount Sinai.CT-angiography - chest.

Mount Sinai.Pulmonary angiography.

University of Rochester.Pulmonary angiogram.

MyHealth Alberta.Angiogram of the lung: test overview.

NHS Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.Going home after your daycase angiogram/angioplasty.

Cedars Sinai.Pulmonary embolism.

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