Angiogram of the Lung

Lung Angiogram, Pulmonary Angiogram

Test Overview

An angiogram of the lung is an X-ray test that uses a special dye and camera (fluoroscopy) to take pictures of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the lung.

During an angiogram, a thin tube called a catheter is placed into a femoral blood vessel in the groin (femoral vein) or just above the elbow (brachial vein). The catheter is guided to the area to be studied. Then an iodine dye (contrast material) is injected into the vessel to make the area show clearly on the X-ray pictures. The angiogram pictures can be made into regular X-ray films or stored as digital pictures in a computer.

A lung (pulmonary) angiogram is used to check the arteries that lead to the lungs (pulmonary arteries) and the blood vessels in the lungs. It can also find narrowing or a blockage in a blood vessel that slows or stops blood flow. See an image of an angiogram showing the blood flow of the lungs .

	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: December 30, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.