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Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
A physician may order a CTA to evaluate blood
vessels in the head, neck, chest, abdomen and legs for such
disorders as aneurysms (bulging or ballooning of the vessels),
damaged vessels, bleeding, clots in deep veins and plaque blockages
in arteries. CTA is also
sometimes used to evaluate previous angioplasty, stent procedures
and for surgical planning.
Equipment
Preparation
Wear loose comfortable clothing without metal snaps or zippers to your appointment. If necessary you will be asked to change into scrubs or a patient gown. Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and may need to be removed prior to your examination. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Lockers are available for your personal items however, it is recommended that you leave your valuables at home.
CTA requires the use of an intravenous (IV) contrast media that contains iodine. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your physician and our staff if you have ever had an allergic reaction to iodine, shellfish or any contrast media and if you have diabetes or kidney problems.
If you are 60 years of age or older, or if you have a condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, a BUN and creatinine blood test is required to assess kidney function prior to receiving CT IV contrast media.
You must not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the examination. You may take your prescribed medications with a small amount of water if necessary.
If you are taking glucophage/metformin (or derivatives) you will need to discontinue taking the drug the day of the study and for 48 hours after the study. After the examination, notify your physician that you received iodinated contrast media to consider reassessment of your renal function.
Because x-ray is used it is important that you notify your physician and our staff prior to scheduling your appointment if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
During the Examination
Prior to the start of the scan The technologist will insert a small needle or catheter in your hand or arm. This is used to administer the IV contrast during the scan which is administered at a controlled rate by an automated injector device connected to the IV. When the IV contrast is injected, you may experience a warm, flushing sensation and a metallic taste in your mouth. This usually lasts only a few minutes and is normal. Occasionally a patient may have an allergic reaction to the contrast material that may be mild or severe. If you experience any other symptoms, such as itching, become light-headed or have difficulty breathing, you should notify the technologist immediately.
You will lie on a comfortable table that moves you through a large opening in a donut-shaped machine. You will be kept informed when you need to lie very still and when to hold your breath. The technologist will be able to see and hear you during the entire examination. The examination may take from ten to twenty minutes to complete.
After the examination, you may resume your
normal activities.
If you are taking glucophage/metformin (or derivatives) you will need to discontinue taking the drug the day of the study and for 48 hours after the study. After the examination, notify your physician that you received iodinated contrast media to consider reassessment of your renal function.
Once the CTA study is completed, the images are stored on a computer. These images will be studied by a board certified radiologist who is specially trained to analyze CTA examinations. A written report of the radiologist's findings will be sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss the results of the examination with you.
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CTA is a revolutionary CT examination that
allows us to take pictures of the inside of blood vessels.
