American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What does angiography involve?

1. Direct visualization of the heart

2. Using ultrasound to assess blood flow

3. Radiographic visualization of blood vessels

4. Measuring blood pressure in the arteries

The correct answer is: Radiographic visualization of blood vessels

Angiography refers to a medical imaging technique that utilizes radiographic methods to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs, particularly focusing on the vascular system. During this procedure, a contrast agent is typically injected into the blood vessels, which enhances the visibility of these structures on X-rays or other imaging modalities. This allows healthcare providers to evaluate the condition of blood vessels, identify any blockages or abnormalities, and plan further medical or surgical interventions if necessary. The other options provided do not accurately describe the process of angiography. Direct visualization of the heart pertains more to procedures like echocardiography or cardiac catheterization, which involve different methodologies. Using ultrasound to assess blood flow describes Doppler ultrasound, a distinct technique that evaluates blood flow rather than capturing images of blood vessels. Measuring blood pressure in the arteries is primarily a clinical assessment rather than an imaging technique and is not associated with angiography at all.