Superselective angiography of the cystic artery for diagnosis of gallbladder diseases

: Superselective angiography of the cystic artery was attempted with 18 patients for the purpose of improving angiographic diagnosis of gallbladder diseases. The success rate of cystic angiography using a fine catheter (5 Fr. size) and a specially coated guidewire was 72% (13/18). In comparison with usual hepatic angiography findings obtained by cystic angiography proved easier to evaluate, because the angiograms thus obtained avoided visualization of the hepatic artery and showed good opacification of the fine branches of the cystic artery. It is concluded that angiographic diagnosis of gallbladder diseases can be improved by use of superselective cystic angiography.