CT ANGIOGRAPHY (CTA):

Multi-detector CT technology has enabled radiologists to assess vascular structures throughout the body without the need for an interventional procedure in theatre. Contrast medium agent (a sort of dye) containing iodine is injected intravenously followed by a saline injection, creates a bolus of contrast agent in the arterial system and generates an angiographic image. CT Angiography is particularly useful for diagnosis and evaluation of diseases of blood vessels in the brain, kidneys, legs, lungs, heart, and neck.

CT angiography is useful in the following situations:

• Atherosclerosis in the arteries of the neck which can lead to a stroke due to narrowing or occlusion of the carotid or vertebral arteries.

• Pulmonary embolism – clots in the arteries that supply the lungs.

• Aneurysms and dissections. 

• Identifying injury to blood vessels associated with trauma.

• Planning for stenting of diseased vessels and evaluation post-stenting.