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16 Slice CT and
CT Angiography
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CT (computed tomography) angiography (CTA) is an examination that uses x-rays to visualize blood flow in arterial vessels throughout the body:
Arteries serving the BRAIN (Carotid) Identify a small aneurysm or arterio-venous malformation inside the brain that can be life-threatening.
Examining arteries in the brain may help reach a correct diagnosis in patients who complain of headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or fainting.
Arteries serving the HEART (Coronary)
Arteries serving the LUNGS (Pulmonary)
Examine the pulmonary arteries in the lungs to rule out pulmonary embolism, a serious but treatable condition.
Arteries serving the KIDNEYS (Renal)
Visualize blood flow in the renal arteries (those supplying the kidneys) in patients with high blood pressure and those suspected of having kidney disorders. Narrowing (stenosis) of a renal artery is a cause of high blood pressure (hypertension) in some patients, and can be corrected.
Also done in prospective kidney donors.
Arteries serving the ARMS and LEGS
Detect atherosclerotic disease that has narrowed the arteries to the legs.
CTA is also very helpful:
- Identify dissection in the aorta or its major branches.
- Detect narrowing or obstruction of arteries in the pelvis.
- When a stent has been placed to restore blood flow in a diseased artery, CT angiography will show whether it is serving its purpose.
- Injured patients may benefit from CTA if there is a possibility that one or more arteries has been damaged.
- In patients with a tumor it may be helpful for the surgeon to know the details of the arteries feeding the growth.
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Headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fainting
Chest pain, shortness of breath, chest burning, left arm pain, jaw pain, sweating, chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Uncontrolled hypertension, malignant hypertension
Claudication, leg pain on walking, abdominal aortic aneurysm, known in peripheral vascular disease |
