This aortogram shows the tip of the pigtail catheter in the aortic root where contrast material has been injected. The typical aortic coarctation is seen just distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery. Post-stenotic dilatation of the descending aorta is also present.
In the real-time study that follows, note also the jet of contrast material traversing through the obstruction.
Abdominal aortogram
Arteriography is also helpful to define renal artery stenosis as a cause of secondary hypertension. This is a still-frame of an abdominal aortogram from another patient that demonstrates severe atherosclerotic disease of the aorta and iliac arteries. There is a tight stenosis of the left renal artery distal to the ostium. This type of lesion is frequently suitable for angioplasty. The success rate for ostial lesions is lower than at other locations. Note also the tight stenosis at the origin of the right iliac artery.
Post angioplasty
This is a still-frame of an abdominal aortogram using a digital subtraction technique from the same patient post angioplasty of the left renal artery. It shows a markedly reduced degree of stenosis. Some patients may also benefit from placement of a stent in the artery to prevent restenosis.