What is a LV angiogram?

What is a LV angiogram?

• A. A contrast agent containing iodine is injected into a structure being examined in order to make it visible on x-ray
• B. A contrast agent with gadolinium is injected to visualize soft tissue on MRI
• C. A catheter is used to measure pressure gradients across the aortic valve
• D. A CT scan is performed after injection of saline

Answer: (A)

An LV angiogram is left ventriculography, where an iodine-containing contrast is injected into the left ventricle so the chamber can be seen on X-ray fluoroscopy. This radiopaque contrast fills the LV, allowing evaluation of its size, pumping function, and regional wall motion, as well as assessment of valve function (mitral and aortic). It’s an imaging study used during left heart catheterization to visualize the LV, rather than a study that uses gadolinium (MRI) or a CT with saline.

An LV angiogram is left ventriculography, where an iodine-containing contrast is injected into the left ventricle so the chamber can be seen on X-ray fluoroscopy. This radiopaque contrast fills the LV, allowing evaluation of its size, pumping function, and regional wall motion, as well as assessment of valve function (mitral and aortic). It’s an imaging study used during left heart catheterization to visualize the LV, rather than a study that uses gadolinium (MRI) or a CT with saline.