[Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography using 4-F-catheters for evaluating cerebrovascular insufficiency].

82 patients were examined by IA-DSA using 4-F-catheter, 70 on an hospital and 12 on an outpatient basis. The examination included imaging of the aortic arch and selective depiction of both carotid arteries and required 30 ml of contrast agent for these three consecutive series. Image quality was evaluated for each vessel respectively. Cerebrovascular insufficiency could be diagnosed with the same accuracy as in conventional angiography. A definite diagnosis could be made in 96% of the cases for the right and in 98% for the left carotid artery. The vertebral arteries posed more problems for evaluation and required additional imaging depending on the clinical situation. Since introduction of IA-DSA the procedure seems to be less hazardous compared with conventional angiography because less contrast agent is needed and smaller catheters can be used.