VALUE OF OBLIQUE PROJECTIONS IN TRANSLUMBAR AORTOGRAPHY

Abstract
Left and right anterior oblique projections in addition to a posteroanterior view of the bifurcations of the common iliac and common femoral arteries were used at translumbar aortography in 40 consecutive patients with arterial insufficiency to the lower limbs. The origins of the profunda femoris arteries were shown diagnostically in the appropriate oblique projection in a higher percentage of patients (77.5-95 per cent) compared with the conventional frontal view (37.5-40 per cent). The origins of the internal iliac arteries were shown diagnostically in the appropriate oblique more frequently (77.5-90 per cent) than with the straight projection (52.5-65 per cent). The external iliac artery origin was shown diagnostically in all 3 projections. Stenoses were shown more often in an oblique than in the straight projections. Total occlusions were equally well shown in the 3 projections. The profunda femoris origin is best shown in the ipsilateral anterior oblique and the internal iliac artery, especially in the contralateral oblique projection. No complications were encountered in the series. It is suggested that oblique projections of the common iliac and common artery bifurcations should be used routinely in translumbar aortography carried out for the investigation of arteriosclerotic disease of the lower limbs.