CT Angiography (CTA) is an examination performed on a CT scanner to visualize blood flow in vessels throughout the body.  See: “Computerized Axial Tomography” above. CTA depends upon the use of IV contrast in order to produce images of the blood vessels.  The IV contrast is administered through a peripheral vein accessed with a catheter.  Compared to Catheter Angiography, CTA is less invasive and less time consuming for the patient.

When administered, the IV contrast can give the patient a sensation of warmth throughout the body.  This sensation subsides as rapidly as it begins.  A person can have an allergic reaction to “x-ray dye” (contrast material), just as people react to bee stings or some medications.  Our facilities are prepared for any event requiring treatment for adverse reactions with contrast injections.  Always notify the scheduler or imaging center if you have had an adverse reaction to contrast material, or have other allergies when scheduling your appointment.  Medication can be given a day prior to your examination to prevent reaction to contrast material. 

CT angiography is commonly used to evaluate:

• Coronary arteries for coronary artery disease
• Pulmonary arteries to rule out pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary veins for ablation procedures
• Renal arteries for indications of stenosis or hypertension
• Renal arteries for prospective kidney donors
• Aneurysms involving mostly thoracic, abdominal or cerebral arteries
• Dissection of the aorta or its major branches
• Small aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations in the brain
• Carotid artery evaluation for stenosis

ARA provides CTA Coronary Artery exams on one of the newest scanners available, sixty-four-slice MDCT. This new breed of CT scanner is capable of scanning the entire heart within approximately ten seconds. In addition to creating three-dimensional images of the heart, extensive standard imaging techniques are utilized for diagnosis. This exam is utilized to rule out coronary artery disease in young and middle-aged patients with atypical chest pain and risk factors for heart disease. The entire exam is completed within ten to twenty minutes.

CT Angiography (CTA) is an examination performed on a CT scanner to visualize blood flow in vessels throughout the body.  See: “Computerized Axial Tomography” above. CTA depends upon the use of IV contrast in order to produce images of the blood vessels.  The IV contrast is administered through a peripheral vein accessed with a catheter.  Compared to Catheter Angiography, CTA is less invasive and less time consuming for the patient.

When administered, the IV contrast can give the patient a sensation of warmth throughout the body.  This sensation subsides as rapidly as it begins.  A person can have an allergic reaction to “x-ray dye” (contrast material), just as people react to bee stings or some medications.  Our facilities are prepared for any event requiring treatment for adverse reactions with contrast injections.  Always notify the scheduler or imaging center if you have had an adverse reaction to contrast material, or have other allergies when scheduling your appointment.  Medication can be given a day prior to your examination to prevent reaction to contrast material. 

CT angiography is commonly used to evaluate:

• Coronary arteries for coronary artery disease
• Pulmonary arteries to rule out pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary veins for ablation procedures
• Renal arteries for indications of stenosis or hypertension
• Renal arteries for prospective kidney donors
• Aneurysms involving mostly thoracic, abdominal or cerebral arteries
• Dissection of the aorta or its major branches
• Small aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations in the brain
• Carotid artery evaluation for stenosis

ARA provides CTA Coronary Artery exams on one of the newest scanners available, sixty-four-slice MDCT. This new breed of CT scanner is capable of scanning the entire heart within approximately ten seconds. In addition to creating three-dimensional images of the heart, extensive standard imaging techniques are utilized for diagnosis. This exam is utilized to rule out coronary artery disease in young and middle-aged patients with atypical chest pain and risk factors for heart disease. The entire exam is completed within ten to twenty minutes.