[Is intravenous digital subtraction angiography sufficient for planning radiologic interventions in acute and chronic arterial obstructions of the pelvis and leg vascular systems?].

The therapeutical procedure in acute and chronic arterial obstructions of the pelvic and upper leg arteries may often be based on the results of intravenous DSA (i.v. DSA). In patients with peripheral arterial disease and before interventions below the knee are contemplated, i.v. DSA is not sufficient and has to be replaced by arterial DSA (IA DSA). I.v. DSA facilitates technical planning and performance of radiological vascular interventions and has the potential to reduce the complication rates. Nevertheless, the definitive decision to perform PTA and the choice of the appropriate technique continue to be made on the results of the arteriography/i.a. DSA, which has to be routinely obtained at the beginning of any procedure.