Complications and risk factors after digital subtraction angiography: 1-year single-center study

OBJECTIVE: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is an imaging technique used to diagnose and confirm abnormal lesions of cerebral blood vessels in various situations. Several complications such as cerebral infarction, contrast-induced allergy, and angio-site hematoma or infection can occur after DSA. We investigated complication rates and risk factors related to DSA. METHODS: All patients who underwent DSA at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital from January to December 2021 were included. Those who underwent emergency DSA due to stroke or who underwent endovascular surgery within 1 week after DSA were excluded. Complications that occurred within 1 week after DSA were included in the study and was classified into three categories (neurologic complications, contrast-induced allergy, and wound complications). RESULTS: The mean age was 57.7±13.2 years old and the female was dominant at 63.9%. The overall complication rate was 5% (n=20/407). Regarding neurologic complications, the presence of malignancy (p<0.01), and a longer procedure time (>15 minutes, p=0.04) were statistically significant factors. Contrast-induced allergy did not show any statistically significant difference in any parameter. The wound complication rate was higher in men (p=0.02), trans-femoral approach (p=0.02), frequent alcohol drinkers (p=0.04), those taking anticoagulants (p=0.03), and longer procedure time (>15 minutes, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DSA is an invasive diagnostic modality and can cause several complications. Patients with cancer should be more careful about the occurrence of cerebral infarction, and men taking anticoagulants or drinking frequently should be more careful about the occurrence of angio-site hematomas.