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.
Cerebral DSA provides clear, real-time visualization of brain arteries and veins for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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
