What is the primary purpose of pulmonary angiography?

The primary purpose of pulmonary angiography is to assess pulmonary embolism. This imaging technique involves the injection of contrast dye into the pulmonary arteries, allowing for clear visualization of the blood vessels in the lungs. By highlighting the blood flow and identifying potential obstructions, such as blood clots, this procedure is critical for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, which can be a life-threatening condition.

In cases of suspected pulmonary embolism, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial, as it significantly impacts treatment options and patient outcomes. The images produced by pulmonary angiography help healthcare providers determine the presence, location, and extent of any emboli, guiding appropriate intervention.

Other options relate to different conditions or areas of focus that do not pertain to pulmonary circulation. For instance, food allergies do not involve vascular imaging; monitoring intracranial pressure is unrelated to lung health; and screening for brain tumors is typically conducted through neurological imaging techniques rather than vascular studies specific to the lungs.