Left ventricular imaging by digital subtraction angiography

Abstract

Digital radiography is a rapidly developing new approach to cardiovascular imaging that converts radiographic and fluoroscopic video images into digital format for subsequent image enhancement analysis, and storage. Left ventriculography can be performed by this method using either intravenous or low-dose intraventricular contrast administration. Advantages over standard radiography include reduced radiation and contrast medium burden, visualization of very low contrast medium concentrations, and an image format that can be directly analyzed by quantitative techniques. As these cardiac applications are developed and improved archiving is implemented, it is likely that the digital left ventriculography will replace standard cardiac angiography.