Spinal angiography

Principle and interpretation

It can assess an arteriovenous fistula or malformation and its feeding vessels. Diagnostic angiography and therapeutic embolization are distinct procedures even when combined.

Indications, limitations and precautions

Specialists weigh vascular, contrast and radiation risks. It is not a routine test for every case of back pain; MRI may guide whether it is needed.

Points to consider

An investigation is selected to answer a specific question about bone, neural tissue, metabolic activity or vessels, for example. Techniques provide different information. Preparation and precautions vary by protocol; follow the imaging service’s instructions.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• CT myelography — CT performed after suitable contrast is introduced into the subarachnoid space to assess the dural sac and neural structures.
• Bone scintigraphy — Nuclear medicine examination showing skeletal radiotracer distribution, related partly to bone turnover and blood supply.
• Dixon sequence — MRI method using the frequency difference between water and fat signals to generate separated or combined images.

Medical references

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF).
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. Arteriovenous Malformations.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.