Digital subtraction and an experimental system for line-scanned radiography were used to image the bifurcations of the carotid arteries. The subtracted images were obtained before and after injections of contrast media. The anatomy of the extracranial carotid arteries was demonstrated in most patients, and verified by selective catheter arteriograms. Unsuccessful studies were attributed to improper timing while obtaining the images, and to venous occlusion. Artifacts produced by motion limit the temporal subtraction method.