Objective To evaluate the frequency and localization of the involved arteries in ischemic cerebrovascular disease by cerebral vascular angiography; to study the relationship between collateral circulation and ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods The DSA of 138 patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease recruited by CT or MRI scan were reviewed. The degree of stenosis, the localization, numbers of the arteries involved, the morphology of artery stenosis and compensatory collateral circulation were assessed. Results There were 102 patients with extracrania1 and/or intracrania1 arteries damage and 268 lesions involved in which the carotid arteries were damaged. 158 lesions involved in anterior circulation, 93 lesions involved in posterior circulation, 17 lesions with SCA. Distribution of lesions was not significantly different between cerebral infarction and TIA. Vascular stenosis or occlusion associated with anterior circulation symptoms were exhibited in 65 cases(65.66％), those with posterior circulation symptoms were in 28 cases(71.79％). There were 47 patients who suffered severe stenosis or occlusion, 39 patients had collateral circulation. 9 had only ACOA open, 13 had only PCOA open, 17 had ACOA and PCOA open, 4 had other collateral circulation. Conclusions Arteral lesions plays an important role in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Arterial stenosis or occlusion have important relations with clinical symptoms. Collateral circulation plays an important role in patients with arterial stenosis or occlusion, and guides the treatment.