Color-Coded Digital Subtraction Angiography: The End of a Monochromatic Era?

摘要

In 1927, Egaz Moniz1,2 introduced cerebral angiography by using the x-ray absorption of intravascular contrast. During the following 83 years, this way of studying the cerebral blood circulation has not significantly changed. In 2010, we still visualize the neurovascular system by injecting radiopaque contrast medium through a catheter that is directly placed into the carotid artery. Modern high-resolution neuroangiography provides superb visualization of the smallest vessels, acquired simultaneously in 2 projections, and allows very precise morphologic diagnosis of most cerebrovascular disorders. Although constantly improved during the decades, computerized and digitized vascular morphology is evaluated by using monochromatic displays.