[Present status of digital subtraction angiography].

The present state of development of digital subtraction angiography can be characterised by the fact that, according to the results obtained so far, it can be most useful as a diagnostic method, depending on the clinical problems involved and on the condition of the patient, taking into consideration any possible history of patient allergy and the state of his cardiac and renal functions; if there are no contra-indications, the requisite contrast medium can be applied intravenously or intra-arterially. This method can also be used as a complement to conventional large-format angiography to obtain additional information; in other cases, it may not supply information in sufficient detail, thus requiring subsequent large-format angiography. Diagnostic safety of this method is more than 95% in all the essential indications, such as diagnosis of extracranial cerebrovascular disturbances of blood flow, detection of aneurysms of the aorta, evaluation of postoperative and post-treatment conditions in the vascular system, as well as renovascular hypertension. However, an essential prerequisite is the appropriate use of technical aids fitted to the equipment used for examination. Other essential requirements are the best possible positioning of the patient and his ability to cooperate.