Update and trends in venous (VDSA) and arterial (ADSA) digital subtraction angiography in neuroradiology.

After presentation of the principles and technology of digital subtraction angiography the results of 649 investigations with the peripheral venous method are presented and first experiences are discussed critically. In conclusion the method of venous digital subtraction angiography can be stated to be useful for adequate diagnosis of the extracranial brain vessels. Diagnostic statements about the intracranial vessels by venous injection are limited, and therefore a combined investigation including normal angiography remains necessary. In the near future neuroradiological investigations cannot abandon selective arterial techniques. One may expect however that normal angiographic investigations will subsequently be replaced by digital subtraction angiography with arterial injection of contrast medium.