CT Angiography (CTA)

What You Need to Know

CT Angiography (CTA) is a powerful and detailed imaging technique used to visualise the blood vessels in various parts of the body. It employs a special rotating X-ray machine and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of blood vessels, helping physicians diagnose and manage vascular conditions.

Why You Might Need a CT Angiography

CTA is used to diagnose and evaluate several vascular conditions, including:

Carotid Artery Disease: Identifies narrowing or blockages in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, helping to prevent strokes.

Aneurysms: Detects abnormal bulging or weakening in the walls of blood vessels,
particularly in the brain and aorta.

Lower Limb Angiography: Evaluates blood flow in the arteries of the legs, aiding inthe diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and planning of treatments.

Preparing for a CT Angiography

Preparation for CTA includes the following steps:

Clothing: You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Remove all metal and electronic accessories like watches, jewellery, belts, and dentures, as they might interfere with the scan.

Diet: Avoid eating or drinking a few hours before the scan.

Medical History: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or have any allergies, especially to contrast dye.

Medications: Take your regular medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

The CT Angiography Procedure

Here’s what to expect during the CTA procedure:

1. Positioning: You will lie on a table connected to the CT scanner.

2. Contrast Dye: A contrast dye may be given orally or injected through an IV line to enhance the images. Alert your doctor or technician immediately if you experience any allergic reactions, such as sneezing or itching.

3. Scanning: The table will move into the scanner, which resembles a large doughnut. Straps and pillows may be used to keep you comfortable and still during the scan.

4. Communication: You can communicate with the technician through speakers attached to the CT scanner.

5. Imaging: The CT scanners X-ray tube revolves around you, capturing images of thin cross-sections of your blood vessels. You may hear buzzing noises, indicating the scanner is working.

6. Breath Holding: In some cases, you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the scan.

7. Completion: After the scan, the IV line will be disconnected, and you will be allowed to go home.

The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being examined.

Post-Procedure Care for CT Angiography

After the CTA, you can usually return to your regular activities immediately. If contrast dye was used, you may receive specific instructions, such as drinking plenty of fluids to flush the dye from your body. Your doctor will review the images and discuss the results with you, outlining any necessary follow-up steps or treatments.

Benefits of CT Angiography

Detailed Imaging: Provides highly detailed images of blood vessels, aiding in accurate diagnosis.

Non-Invasive: No need for surgery or insertion of catheters.

Comprehensive Evaluation: Useful for assessing multiple vascular conditions in different parts of the body.

Risks of CT Angiography

While CTA is generally safe, there are some potential risks and considerations:

Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the contrast dye.

Kidney Problems: The contrast dye can cause issues in people with pre-existing kidney disorders.

Radiation Exposure: There is a small risk of cancer from the radiation exposure of one CT scan, but this risk increases with multiple scans.

By understanding the CT Angiography procedure, its benefits, and potential risks, you can be better prepared for the test and informed about its role in diagnosing and managing vascular conditions.