An arteriogram is an X-ray test that is a picture of the blood flow in an artery. During an arteriogram, a material that shows up on an X-ray (contrast material) is put in an artery through a thin tube (catheter).
An arteriogram may be done to look for problems such as a tear that can cause blockage or bleeding, aneurysms (which are weaknesses in the blood vessel wall), and blood clots or the buildup of fatty deposits.
An arteriogram can also be used to find bleeding in the stomach or intestines. It may also be used to stop intestinal bleeding. A catheter can be moved into the artery where the bleeding is occurring, and chemicals that narrow the artery or that help the blood to clot are then put through the catheter.
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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