Peripheral vascular disease: evaluation with stepping DSA and conventional screen-film angiography.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively evaluate stepping digital subtraction angiography (S-DSA), which enables peripheral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of both lower extremities after one injection of contrast material, in comparison with conventional screen-film angiography (SFA) for evaluation of lower-extremity vascular disease.


METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients were prospectively examined. Each study was performed without knowledge of the findings in the other. Additional stationary DSA images were obtained whenever necessary. All studies were individually evaluated for diagnostic adequacy and then side by side for vascular opacification, timing of contrast enhancement, ease of reading, and overall superiority.


RESULTS
The diagnostic adequacy of S-DSA was not statistically different from that of SFA (P > .30). SFA was subjectively considered superior in opacification (P < .003), ease of reading (P < .003), and subjective overall superiority (P < .005). S-DSA was superior in timing of contrast enhancement (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
The advantages of S-DSA can be achieved while the diagnostic adequacy of SFA is maintained. However, SFA was considered superior in three of four subjective characteristics.
Malden
E S
ES
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
Picus
D
D
Vesely
T M
TM
Darcy
M D
MD
Hicks
M E
ME
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies