What does arteriography mean?
Arteriography is a specialized medical imaging technique used to examine the inside of arteries. A contrast dye that is opaque to X-rays is injected directly into the arterial system, after which X-ray images are captured to reveal the vessel's shape, caliber, and any obstructions such as clots, plaques, or malformations. Clinicians rely on it most often to diagnose coronary artery disease, but it can target nearly any arterial territory, including the brain, kidneys, and limbs. The term derives from Greek roots meaning 'artery' and 'to write or record,' reflecting its purpose: producing a written record of the arteries. Though closely related to angiography — which covers all blood vessels — arteriography specifically denotes arterial imaging. It remains one of the most precise tools available for mapping vascular anatomy and guiding interventions such as stenting or angioplasty.
nounA medical imaging technique in which a radiopaque contrast dye is injected into an artery and X-rays are taken to visualize the artery's structure, revealing blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities. The resulting image or set of images is also called an arteriogram.
- The medical procedure of injecting contrast material into an artery to render it visible on X-ray imaging.
- The resulting diagnostic image or study produced by this technique.
"The cardiologist ordered a coronary arteriography to pinpoint the site of the blockage."
"After the abnormal stress test, the patient underwent coronary arteriography to assess the extent of arterial narrowing."
"Digital subtraction arteriography allowed the radiologist to isolate the blood vessels from surrounding bone and tissue."
Rarely pluralized in practice; when referring to multiple procedures, clinicians typically say 'multiple arteriograms' or name each procedure individually.
"The patient's records included several arteriographies performed over a decade of cardiac care."
Every year, millions of lives are saved by injecting a dye that lights up the body's highways on an X-ray — that's arteriography in action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of arteriography
Arteriography comes from the Greek 'artēria' (artery) combined with '-graphy', from Greek 'graphein' meaning 'to write' or 'to record.' The compound entered English through the conventions of modern scientific terminology, likely in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century alongside the rise of radiology following Röntgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895. It shares the same root with other arterial terms such as 'arterial,' 'arteriole,' and 'arteriosclerosis.'
Related word forms
How arteriography is actually used
Strictly a technical medical term used in clinical and radiological contexts; not common in everyday speech. In modern practice, 'angiography' is often preferred as the general term, with 'arteriography' reserved for specifying arterial imaging. Often paired with modifiers indicating the region imaged (coronary, cerebral, renal) or the technique used (digital subtraction).
Easily confused with arteriography
Angiography is the broader term for imaging any blood vessel (arteries or veins), while arteriography specifically refers to imaging of arteries only.
Venography is the imaging of veins using contrast dye, whereas arteriography images arteries.