Stereoscopic magnification in spinal angiography.

This technique combines the advantages of magnification and stereoscopic angiography. A heavy-duty x-ray tube oscillating between two positions (25 mm apart) allows serial spinal angiograms to be produced in stereo magnification (factor 2.0) using the 0.2 mm, 12 kW focal spot. The x-ray tube can be rapidly changed for normal serial angiography with a 0.6 mm, 50 kW focus. The technique is easy to use for spinal phlebography and arteriography. Vessels can be observed clearly in three dimensions. Difficulties relating to localization of veins (e.g., intra- or extraspinal) are eliminated. The feeding vessels, the draining system, and the exact location of spinal angiomas are more easily recognized. In many cases, only one injection of contrast medium is needed and the use of photographic subtraction radiography is unnecessary.