CT Angiography - Procedure and Risks

What Is CT Angiography?

Using a CT scanner, CT angiography creates finely detailed pictures of the tissues and blood arteries in different body areas. A contrast material is administered during the examination using a tiny catheter inserted into an arm vein is used to administer. A radiology technician will take precise CT pictures as the contrast agent traverses the blood vessels. Medical professionals use angiography to detect and manage disorders affecting blood vessels. Angiography examinations yield images of the body's main blood arteries. Contrast materials are used in most tests. Doctors carry out angiography computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays using catheters.

What Are Some Typical Applications for This Process?

CT angiography is useful for evaluating blood arteries in different body sections and the organs they supply, such as the brain, neck, heart, chest, abdomen (including the liver and kidneys), legs, feet, pelvis, hands, and arms.

Medical professionals use CT angiography to identify and assess a wide range of blood vessel disorders and associated problems, including aneurysms, blood clots, blockages, abnormalities of the circulatory system, congenital (connected to birth) blood vessel disorders, and cancers.

Additionally, before or after surgery, doctors use CT angiography to examine blood arteries to:

• Find anomalies, such as aneurysms, in the aorta, other arteries, or the chest and abdomen.

• Identify any signs of atherosclerotic (plaque) disease in the neck's carotid artery, which could restrict blood supply to the brain and result in a stroke.

• Determine whether there is an arteriovenous malformation in the brain or not.

• Ascertain whether plaque disease has caused the arteries in the legs to narrow and assist in getting ready for surgery, angioplasty, or stent implantation.

• Identify kidney-related artery problems or assess blood flow to aid in the planning of a kidney transplant or stent implantation.

• Guide the work of interventional radiologists and surgeons who are performing repairs to damaged blood arteries, such as stent placement or follow-up stent evaluation.

• Examine the arteries supplying a tumor before undergoing surgery or other treatments like selective internal radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

• Determine the dissection or splitting of the main branches of the aorta in the chest or belly.

• Demonstrate the degree and scope of coronary artery disease, its consequences, and the intervention strategy, including coronary bypass and stenting.

• Examine the pulmonary arteries in the lungs to look for abnormalities in the pulmonary arteriovenous system or blood clots, such as those that originate from leg veins.

What Distinguishes a Typical Angiography From a CT Angiogram?

Both C conventional angiograms are diagnostic procedures used tfor seeinglood arteries. In comparison to conventional angiograms, CT angiograms are less intrusive.

A lengthy flexible tube called a catheter is inserted by the doctor during a standard angiography procedure. This tube is often inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin. Next, the coronary arteries (blood vessels) will be imaged by the doctor using X-ray fluoroscopy after injecting contrast dye using a catheter. The physician administers the contrast dye intravenously (IV) during a CT angiography. An arm or hand vein is typically used to implant the IV.

How to Prepare for CT Angiography?

• For this test, dress comfortably and freely. One might have to get dressed in a gown for the treatment.

• Metal items such as hairpins, spectacles, dentures, and jewelry might alter the CT pictures. Take them off before the test, or leave them at home.

• Patients may be asked to take off the dental work and hearing devices for certain CT scans. It could be necessary to take out any piercings.

• If the procedure may involve contrast material, the physician could advise patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for a few hours prior.

• Patients should inform the doctor of all the medications they use and any sensitivities they may have.

• The doctor may recommend medicine to lower the likelihood of an allergic reaction if patients have an allergy to contrast material.

• They must get in touch with the doctor in advance of the exam date to minimize needless delays.

• Patients must inform the doctor about any recent illness or other health conditions they suffer from.

• Women must inform about their pregnancy if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if they think they might be pregnant.

What Occurs During Computed Tomography Angiography?

This test can be performed at an outpatient facility or in the hospital. The CT scanner is a large apparatus via which the examination table enters and exits a tunnel.

During the test, the following could occur:

• A radiology technician will place one on an examination table and position.

• An intravenous line will be inserted into the hand or arm.

• Upon injection of the contrast material, one can get a warm feeling and taste something metallic for a short while.

• The exam table will pass through the scanner shortly before the radiology tech leaves the room. Through a window in a nearby room, the provider can see and communicate with patients over an intercom.

• Scanning does not cause any pain. A buzzing, whirring, and clicking sound could be audible while the scanner revolves around patients.

• During the scan, patients could be requested to hold their breath.

• The duration of the test may vary from approximately 20 minutes to an hour, based on the specific body region. The doctor inserts a lengthy flexible tube called a catheter will take out the intravenous line following a CT scan. A tiny dressing will be applied to the tiny hole left by the needle. Patients can get back to their regular activities shortly thereafter.

What Are the Risks Associated With CT Angiography?

The majority of patients undergo CT angiography without any problems.

• The risk of developing cancer from prolonged radiation exposure is always present. Nonetheless, the advantages of a precise diagnosis greatly surpass the dangers associated with CT scanning.

• Iodinated contrast media administration may exacerbate kidney damage in patients with borderline renal function who are already at risk for kidney failure.

• To reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, a physician can suggest taking a steroid or other preventive medication just before or the day preceding the CT angiography if the patient has a history of allergies to X-ray contrast material. Getting an alternative exam that requires no iodinated contrast is an additional option.

• Skin, blood vessels, and nerves could be harmed if a significant quantity of X-ray contrast material spills from the vein being injected and gets beneath the skin where the IV is inserted. Tell the nurse or technician right away if there is any pain or discomfort in this area during or right after the contrast substance injection.

Conclusion:

A CT angiography is an imaging procedure that evaluates the blood arteries and tissues. It is frequently used by medical professionals to examine the arteries in the heart. Compared to conventional coronary angiography, CT angiograms are less intrusive. The contrast dye is injected via an IV. On a CT scan, this dye draws attention to the blood vessels. Generally, CT angiograms are swift and uncomplicated. On the day of the test, one can go back home.