angiography /an′jē·og″rəfē/ [Gk, angeion + graphein, to record] , the x-ray visualization of the internal anatomy of the heart and blood vessels after the intravascular introduction of radiopaque contrast medium. The procedure is used as a diagnostic aid in myocardial infarction, vascular occlusion, calcified atherosclerotic plaques, cerebrovascular accident, portal hypertension, renal neoplasms, renal artery stenosis as a causative factor in hypertension, pulmonary emboli, and congenital and acquired lesions of pulmonary vessels. The contrast medium may be injected into an artery or vein or introduced into a catheter inserted in a peripheral artery and threaded through the vessel to a visceral site. Because iodinated contrast agents are nephrotoxic, renal function also must be determined before angiography. After the procedure the patient is monitored for signs of bleeding at the puncture site, and bed rest for a number of hours is indicated. −angiographic, adj.
