[Angiography in infancy and childhood].

Between 1973 and 1991 we performed 160 percutaneous angiograms (130 arteriograms, 30 phlebograms) in children and infants; 12 patients were less than one year and 52 less than ten years old. 44 of the examinations were done by a DSA technique. The examinations were carried out under general anaesthesia except in 8 cases. In 50.7% an arteriogram was carried out for the investigation of a suspected or known tumour, in 9.3% an arteriogram was required following trauma. The most common phlebographic examination was for the demonstration of the spermatic vein; in 27 patients this was done for cryptorchidism or a varicocele. The only complication following a diagnostic angiogram was perforation of one spermatic vein. There were no other complications requiring treatment, such as thromboembolic events. With a total complication rate of 0.6%, angiography in childhood is a relatively safe diagnostic method.