Evaluation of aortic aneurysms and dissection of aorta by intravenous digital subtraction angiography.

Intravenous (IV) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 12 patients with suspected aortic aneurysm/dissection. Bolus injection of 30-40 ml of contrast in mid right atrium/main pulmonary artery at a flow rate of 18-20 ml/sec. during DSA accurately localised the site and extent in all 7 patients of aortic aneurysm and in 4 patients of aortic dissection. In one patient, radiological opacity was unrelated to aorta. There were no complications. IV-DSA should be the preferred mode of evaluation for aortic aneurysm and dissection of aorta.