title: Digital subtraction angiography of the superior mesenteric artery: identifying arterial branches.
abstract: This "problem in diagnostic imaging" provides an overview of the technique of digital subtraction angiography. The possibility of artefacts arising from movement subsequent to the taking of the masking image is discussed. It is also important that contrast medium is allowed to backflow into the parent vessel (in this case the aorta) to ensure that there has been filling of the proximal branches of the vessel of interest (in this case the superior mesenteric artery). An accessory middle colic artery is demonstrated. Detection of such variant vessels is important not only to surgeons but also to specialist radiologists carrying out therapeutic embolization.
authors.affiliation: Norwich Radiology Academy, Cotman Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, UK. tom@diagnosticradiology.eu
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Turmezei
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Cockburn
mesh_terms: D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods*; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008641:Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis; D008643:Mesentery / Q000098:blood supply*; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis