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What is an
angiogram?
An angiogram is a procedure
used in Ophthalmology to photograph the blood
vessels of the retina.
It involves inserting a needle into a vein, usually
in the arm or back of the hand
and injecting a diagnostic dye (Flourescein).
Photographs of the retina are taken as the dye
circulates through the bloodstream. Your
Ophthalmologist may require this test to diagnose or
monitor your retinal condition.
What is fluorescein?
Fluorescein is a yellow
diagnostic dye. The pharmaceutical name is Sodium
Fluorescein. You will normally receive 5mL of a
10mg/mL sterile solution, however the Doctor may
prescribe up to 10mL or as little as 1mL.
Fluorescein is not addictive and does not contain
preservatives.
For 24-48 hours after the
procedure your skin may appear slightly yellow and
your urine will be bright yellow. This is normal,
and by drinking plenty of water for 2 days after
your procedure you will assist the kidneys to
excrete the dye.
Are there any
medical conditions or medications that may affect
the procedure?
Please inform your
Ophthalmologist if you suffer from any condition
related to the heart, lungs or kidneys. These
conditions do not exclude you from being able to
have a fluorescein angiogram but your
Ophthalmologist needs to be aware of such
conditions.
Your Ophthalmologist should
also be aware of your allergies and any medications
you are taking.
What are the
risks?
The risks associated with
injection of fluorescein are low.
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The most common side
effect is nausea. If you do experience
nausea it will occur during first 1-2
minutes after the dye is injected. Please
inform the Nurse performing the procedure
and she will be able to give you an alcohol
swab to sniff which will help relieve the
nausea. It normally only lasts 10-30
seconds. In rare cases vomiting may
accompany the nausea.
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Other adverse
reactions include headache, hypotension (low
blood pressure), fainting, gastric upset,
convulsions, and intense lower back pain.
Please inform the Nurse if you experience
any of these reactions.
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In rare
cases patients may suffer an allergic
reaction. If the reaction is mild you may
break out in hives and feel itchy. In a more
severe reaction anaphylaxis and
respiratory/cardiac arrest may occur.
Although
the incidence of this type of reaction is
extremely rare our staff are trained in
resuscitation and a fully stocked emergency
kit is located in each room where the
procedure is performed.
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As with any
intravenous injection there is a small risk
that the dye may leak into the tissue rather
than being injected into the vein. If this
does occur you may experience a burning
sensation as the dye is injected and the
injection site may be yellow and tender for
the next few days. A cold pack may ease the
pain and swelling. By drinking lots of water
1-2 days prior to the procedure you will
minimize the risk of extravasation (leakage
of dye into body tissue). |
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