Angiography/arteriography of the extremity; Peripheral angiography; Lower extremity angiogram; Peripheral angiogram

Complications may include:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Blood clot that travels to the lungs
• Damage to the blood vessel as the needle and catheter are inserted
• Excessive bleeding or a blood clot where the catheter is inserted, which can reduce blood flow to the leg
• Heart attack or stroke
• Hematoma -- a collection of blood at the site of the needle puncture
• Injury to the nerves at the needle puncture site
• Kidney damage from the dye

There is low-level radiation exposure. However, most experts feel that the risk of most x-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.

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Extremity angiography Results

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Extremity angiography Prevention

Review Date: 11/18/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)