Clinical Use of Iodinated Contrast Media for the Visualization of Vessels, Organs and Organ Systems

Following the introduction of a series of noninvasive imaging modalities (CT, MRI, Doppler sonography) during the last two decades the indications for cerebral angiography have been markedly reduced and, consequently, the number of examinations has been dramatically diminished, in most centres by more than 50%. Thus, angiography is usually not indicated in head trauma, or in brain tumours, both of which were important indications for cerebral angiography prior to the CT era. One may expect this trend to continue, since CT and MRI angiography will reduce the need for conventional cerebral angiography even further.