CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is digital subtraction angiography (DSA)?

1. A method used to measure blood pressure

2. A fluorescent imaging technique for soft tissue

3. A fluoroscopic technique used extensively in interventional radiology for visualizing blood vessels

4. A type of MRI used for brain imaging

The correct answer is: A fluoroscopic technique used extensively in interventional radiology for visualizing blood vessels

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a specialized imaging technique primarily used in interventional radiology to visualize blood vessels with great clarity. It involves the acquisition of images before and after the injection of a contrast agent into the bloodstream. The "subtraction" aspect refers to the process where the initial image (without contrast) is digitally subtracted from the subsequent images (with contrast). This helps in enhancing the visibility of the blood vessels by eliminating the background structures, such as bone and soft tissue, which might obscure the view of the vascular system. DSA is particularly advantageous because it provides clear images that facilitate the diagnosis and evaluation of vascular conditions, and it can guide interventional procedures such as angioplasty or stent placement. Its ability to produce high-contrast images of blood vessels makes it an invaluable tool in the field of medicine for planning and conducting minimally invasive procedures. The other options do not accurately describe DSA; they refer to different imaging methods and techniques that are not specifically aimed at visualizing blood vessels through subtraction techniques.