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  • Angiogram: An x-ray representation of blood vessels made after the injection of a radio-opaque dye. Used to visualize the inner layer of blood vessels, and to determine the location and degree of narrowing or dilation.
  • CAT Scan (CT scan): A Computerized Axial Tomography scan is an x-ray tube that rotates in a circle around the patient, making many pictures as it rotates. The multiple x-ray pictures are reconstructed by a computer in cross-sectional images, permitting doctors to examine “slices” through different organs. Catheterization: The insertion of a small plastic tube into a blood vessel, for the purpose of infusing fluid or radio-opaque dye (as in angiography), or for the purpose of sampling blood.
  • Chest X Ray: A chest x ray is a painless test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Abnormal chest x-ray results may show whether vasculitis is affecting your lungs or your large arteries (such as the aorta or the pulmonary arteries).
  • MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Another x-ray, similar to a CT scan. MRI scans also provide cross-sectional images of body organs. Because MRI technology involves the use of a large magnet, people with pacemakers, metallic aneurysm clips, and other metallic inserts are not eligible to have these studies.