An angiogram, also known as an arteriogram, is an X-ray image of blood vessels performed to assess vascular conditions, including aneursym, stenosis, and blockages. A carotid angiogram focuses specifically on the arteries that supply blood to your head and neck.

For a carotid angiogram, contrast dye is introduced by catheter into the arteries of your neck that supply blood to your brain and X-rays are taken to show narrowing or blockage. A more advanced version of the carotid angiogram utilizes fluoroscopy (think of it as an “X-ray movie”) to see more detailed images of the carotid arteries.