A spinal angiogram is a medical imaging procedure that involves injecting a contrast dye into the spinal arteries to obtain detailed images of the blood vessels that supply the spinal cord. It is usually performed to diagnose and treat spinal cord conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), spinal cord tumors, or spinal cord injuries.
During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin area and guided to the spinal arteries using X-ray guidance. Contrast dye is then injected into the catheter to make the spinal arteries visible on X-ray images. The procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, and the patient is usually awake but sedated during the procedure.
After the procedure, the patient may need to lie still for several hours to minimize the risk of bleeding or other complications. The doctor will monitor the patient for any signs of complications such as bleeding or infection.
Overall, a spinal angiogram is a safe and effective procedure for diagnosing and treating spinal cord conditions. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks involved, and these should be discussed with the doctor prior to the procedure.