[Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (i.a. DSA) in the preoperative diagnosis of abdominal masses].

The diagnostic value of i.a. DSA, compared with conventional arteriography (n = 48), was proven in patients (n = 116) with abdominal tumours including intrahepatic masses. Arteries supplying the tumour, anomalous vessels and pathological malignant vascular abnormalities were visualised reliably in i.a. DSA despite reduced spatial resolution. An improved definition of hypervascular tumours was possible during the early arterial phase and of hypovascular or avascular masses during the late parenchymal phase of i.a. DSA. The dynamic evaluation of contrast flow is simpler and more reliable using the continuous mode in i.a. DSA than with the static imaging of a conventional film sequence. The advantages of i.a. DSA in preoperative vascular mapping and in detailed diagnosis of abdominal tumours and masses result in replacing conventional arteriography with very few exceptions.