Ct angiogram

A computed tomography angiogram (CT angiogram) is a test that uses X-rays to provide detailed pictures of the heart and the blood vessels that go to the heart, lung, brain, kidneys, head, neck, legs, and arms. The test uses a special dye that is put into a vein (I.V.) to make very detailed pictures of the blood vessels.

A CT angiogram can show whether a blood vessel is narrowed or blocked. The test can also show whether there is a bulge (aneurysm) or a buildup of fatty material called plaque in a blood vessel.

A CT angiogram is done to look for:

• A blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• A narrowing (stenosis) or blockage in the coronary arteries. This can occur when there is a buildup of fat (cholesterol) and calcium in the arteries. This buildup is called plaque.
• Heart problems, such aspericarditis(inflammation of the pericardial sac around the heart) and damage or injury to the heart valves.
• A bulge (aneurysm) or tear (dissection) in theaorta, which is a large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
• A narrowing of arteries in the legs and in other parts of the body (peripheral arterial disease).
• An abnormal pattern of blood vessels that may be a sign of a tumor.

• Take off any jewelry and any other metal objects.
• Take off all or most of your clothes. You will be given a gown to wear during the test.

• A dye (contrast material) will be put in a vein in your arm or hand. If you are having a CT angiogram to look at your heart and the blood vessels that go to it (coronary arteries), you may be given a medicine called a beta-blocker to slow your heart rate during the test.
• The table slides into the round opening of the scanner. The table will move during the scan. The scanner moves inside the doughnut-shaped casing around your body.
• You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
• You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch you through a window and talk with you during the test.

Talk to your doctor about all your health conditions before the test. For example, tell your doctor all of the medicines you take, if you are or might be pregnant, if you're allergic to any medicines, or if you take metformin.

Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home.

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test. Your doctor will let you know if there are certain foods or liquids you should avoid.

Results of a CT angiogram are usually ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.

Normal:

• The blood vessels look normal, and blood flow is not reduced.
• The heart and heart valves look normal.
• No narrowing, blockage, bulging (aneurysm), or large buildup ofplaqueis seen.

Abnormal:

• One or more blood vessels are partially or completely blocked.
• The heart or the heart valves look abnormal.
• An aneurysm or tear (dissection) in theaortais present.
• A narrow spot in an artery may suggest that a blood clot or a deposit of fat and calcium is reducing blood flow through the blood vessel.
• An abnormal pattern of blood vessels may be a sign that a tumor is present.