Catheter-induced "accordion effect" in tortuous right external iliac artery during peripheral angiography.

Mechanical distortion of tortuous coronary arteries mimicking spasm or dissection during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty due to balloon guidewire systems has previously been reported. This case reports a similar phenomenon in the peripheral vascular system induced by a diagnostic catheter. Recognition of this pseudo lesion may help to avoid complications and unnecessary intervention.