Cerebral DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography)
What is Cerebral DSA?
Cerebral DSA is a minimally invasive angiography test that uses a contrast dye and high-speed X-ray imaging to produce detailed pictures of the arteries and veins in the brain.
The “subtraction” technique removes bones and surrounding tissue from the images, leaving only clean, high-precision images of blood vessels.
Why is Cerebral DSA Done?
Diagnose
Brain aneurysms
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs)
Carotid or vertebral artery stenosis
Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
Cerebral venous thrombosis
Ischemic stroke (to identify blockages)
Tumor vascularity
Plan Treatment
Before aneurysm coiling
Before AVM / AVF embolization
Before carotid stenting
Before neurosurgery
Guide Procedures
Mechanical thrombectomy for stroke
Embolization procedures
How is Cerebral DSA Performed?
Local anesthesia is applied (usually to the groin; sometimes wrist).
A thin catheter is inserted into the femoral artery or radial artery.
The catheter is guided to the arteries supplying the brain.
Contrast dye is injected.
High-speed X-ray images are captured in real time.
After imaging, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied.
Procedure time: 20–45 minutes
Who Should Undergo Cerebral DSA?
Unexplained severe headaches
Symptoms of stroke or TIA
Suspected AVM or aneurysm
Carotid artery disease
Positive findings on CT/MRI angiography
Planning for brain surgery or endovascular treatment
