Is peripheral angiography a treatment?

The procedure described on this page is diagnostic: it shows where a narrowing in the leg arteries is and how severe it is. Whether treatment is needed, and which kind, is discussed separately based on the results.

Can the dye affect my kidneys?

The contrast dye can affect kidney function, especially in people who already have kidney disease. For this reason your kidney tests are checked before the procedure and measures such as extra fluids are taken if needed. If you have kidney disease, be sure to mention it beforehand.

I am allergic to contrast dye; can I still have angiography?

If you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye before, be sure to tell your doctor. Your doctor will consider options such as anti-allergy medicines before the procedure or a different imaging method.

In case of sudden chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, call 112.

Angiography of the leg arteries

The leg arteries are imaged using a dye given through a thin catheter and X-ray. This is a diagnostic test that shows where a narrowing is and how severe it is.

What is it?

Plaque can build up over time in the arteries that carry blood to the legs, narrowing them. This is called peripheral arterial disease. The typical symptom is pain or cramp in the calf, buttock or thigh that comes on while walking and eases with rest; this is called claudication. In peripheral angiography, a dye that shows up on X-ray (contrast agent) is given into the artery through a thin catheter, and the leg arteries are imaged. The images show where a narrowing or blockage is, how long it is and how severe it is. Diagnosis usually starts with an examination, the ratio of ankle to arm blood pressure (ankle-brachial index) and a Doppler ultrasound; in some patients CT or MR angiography is also used. Catheter angiography is done when the arteries need to be seen in more detail. This page describes diagnostic angiography only; treatment is not covered here.

Who is it for?

Patients who get leg pain or cramp while walking that eases with rest, and whose daily life is limited by it
Patients in whom an examination, the ankle-brachial index or a Doppler ultrasound suggests a significant narrowing in the leg arteries
Patients with a wound on the foot that does not heal, or leg pain that continues at rest; this needs prompt assessment
The decision is made together with your doctor, based on your symptoms, test results and general health

Before the procedure

Before the procedure you will have an examination, blood tests and usually a Doppler ultrasound. Your kidney function is checked with a blood test, because the dye used in the procedure is cleared by the kidneys. If you have kidney disease, measures such as extra fluids before and after the procedure may be planned. Tell your doctor beforehand if you have ever had an allergy to contrast dye, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes or any chance of pregnancy. Your medications, especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines, are reviewed with your doctor. Do not stop any medication on your own. You may be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand.

How is it done?

Numbing: The access site, usually the groin or the wrist, is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic. You are usually awake during the procedure.
Access: A thin sheath is placed in the artery and a thin catheter is advanced through it.
Imaging: Dye is given through the catheter and the arteries from the abdomen down to the feet are imaged with X-ray. You may feel a brief warmth in the legs when the dye is given.
Closure: The catheter is removed and the access site is closed with pressure, a pressure band or a closure device.
Discussing the results: The images are reviewed and the results are explained to you. Treatment options are discussed separately.

Recovery

After a procedure through the groin you may be asked to lie flat without bending your leg for a few hours to prevent bleeding. If the wrist was used, a pressure band is placed on it and you can usually get up quite soon. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you may be asked to drink plenty of water to help clear the dye. Avoid heavy lifting and straining the access site for a few days. Contact your doctor if you notice swelling, increasing pain or bleeding at the access site, or coldness or a change of colour in the leg or hand. Depending on the angiography results, options such as medication, regular walking exercise, or interventional or surgical treatment are discussed separately with your doctor. Treatment is not covered on this page.

Risks

Like every interventional procedure, peripheral angiography has risks. These include bleeding, bruising or swelling at the access site; an allergic reaction to the contrast dye; a decline in kidney function; and injury to the artery. Less commonly, a clot can form in the artery, the artery can become blocked, or other serious complications can occur. Your doctor will explain the possible risks for you in detail, based on your personal situation, before the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

Is peripheral angiography a treatment? The procedure described on this page is diagnostic: it shows where a narrowing in the leg arteries is and how severe it is. Whether treatment is needed, and which kind, is discussed separately based on the results.
Why is angiography done when there are Doppler and CT scans? Diagnosis usually starts with an examination, the ankle-brachial index and a Doppler ultrasound; in some patients CT or MR angiography is also used. Catheter angiography is done when the arteries need to be seen in more detail.
Can the dye affect my kidneys? The contrast dye can affect kidney function, especially in people who already have kidney disease. For this reason your kidney tests are checked before the procedure and measures such as extra fluids are taken if needed. If you have kidney disease, be sure to mention it beforehand.
I am allergic to contrast dye; can I still have angiography? If you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye before, be sure to tell your doctor. Your doctor will consider options such as anti-allergy medicines before the procedure or a different imaging method.

Medical content reviewed and approved by Prof. Dr. Barış Kılıçaslan. Last updated: 4 October 2026. Editor: Baran Zeydan (info@clinixcrm.app).