Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

During a period of 18 months, intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA) was performed in 360 patients with various gastrointestinal disorders. This technique was useful both in diagnostic and interventional procedures. Due to increased contrast resolution, hepatic tumors and portal vein systems were better visualized than with the use of conventional angiography. Also, a significant reduction in the dosage of contrast medium resulted in markedly reduced patient discomfort. Small pancreatobiliary tumors were better evaluated on conventional angiograms due to the decreased spatial resolution of IADSA.