How Is the Test Performed?
For a CT angiography, the technologist will help you lie comfortably on the CT exam table, usually on your back. Straps or pillows may be used to keep you still and ensure accurate imaging. If you have questions about the procedure or want to understand factors like CT angiography cost, you can ask the team beforehand for clarity.
Next, contrast material is given through an IV. In most adults, it is injected using an automatic injector (a pump) that controls the flow rate. In some cases—such as with children or individuals who have very small or fragile veins—the contrast may be injected manually using a syringe.
Once the IV is connected, the table is positioned at the starting point of the scan. It then moves smoothly through the CT scanner as images are captured. A typical CT angiography scan takes about one to two minutes, though additional sequences may be done if required for a complete evaluation.
What is this process?
There are a number of similarities between conventional x-ray imaging and CT scanning. In conventional x-ray imaging, a single x-ray beam source transmits x-rays through the body, and a detector plate captures the x-rays that exit the body.
In CT scanning, many x-ray beam sources and many sets of x-ray detectors are set up to quickly rotate around the body. The x-ray beam sources transmit multiple small, high-energy x-ray beams through the body.
The x-ray detectors capture the x-rays that exit the body. During the x-ray procedures the patient’s table will move inside the CT scanner, allowing the x-ray beams to survey the different regions of the body.
A fast computer processes the information taken from the CT scanner and creates images of the body. A tremendous amount of information from the CT scan is processed resulting in providing two or
What is CT Angiography?
Angiography is used by doctors to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases of the blood vessel. Angiography tests produce visual images of the major blood vessels in the body. Most tests use contrast material
Doctors perform angiography using contrast material injected through a small catheter placed in a vein of the arm. A radiologic technologist will acquire high-quality pictures while the contrast material flows through the blood vessels.
List a few common indications for performing the test.
- To identify an abnormality such as an aneurysm of the thoracic or abdominal aorta, or in other arteries near the neck.
- To identify atherosclerotic (plaque) disease of the carotid artery in the neck that will decrease blood flow to the brain and may cause a stroke.
- to identify arteriovenous malformation in the brain or elsewhere.
- to identify plaque disease that has narrowed the arteries to the legs, including planning for subsequent balloon angioplasty/stent placement, with surgery as back up.
- to identify disease in the arteries to the kidneys, or visualizing blood flow in order to prepare for kidney transplant or stent placement.
- to assist a team of interventional radiologists and surgeons in repairing diseased blood vessels, such as plugging stents or evaluating a previously placed stent.
Conclusion
CT angiography is a rapid and reliable imaging modality which can provide significant diagnostic and treatment planning information for multiple vascular pathologies and also provides important information regarding intervention and follow-up management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the steps for a CT angiogram?
In a CT angiogram, you will first lie on a table that slides into the inside of a scanner that looks like a donut, you will then receive an IV that will inject contrast dye, and you will be observed as the machine takes many X-ray images quickly.
Q. Are you put to sleep for a CT angiogram?
No, you are not put to sleep (given general anesthesia) for a CT angiogram. The procedure is typically non-invasive and performed while you are awake.
Q. Can CT angiography cause an allergic reaction?
Yes, a CT angiogram (CTA) can cause an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to the injected contrast media. Fortunately, reactions generally are rare, and usually mild if they happen, but in some cases severe reactions can occur which could be life-threatening.
Q. How long does a CT angiography take?
30 to 50 minutes
Q. What happens if a CT angiogram shows a blockage?
If a CT angiogram shows a blockage, a doctor will probably tell you to undergo a follow-up test to establish that a blockage is actually present and may then provide treatment options in the form of medication, angioplasty, or bypass surgery if the blockage is severe enough.
