What is CT Angiography?

Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in most cases, a contrast material injection is needed to produce pictures of blood vessels in the body.

Angiography is performed using:

• x-rays with catheters
• computed tomography (CT)
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

CT angiography uses a CT scanner to produce detailed images of both blood vessels and tissues in various parts of the body. An iodine-rich contrast material (dye) is usually injected through a small catheter placed in a vein of the arm. A CT scan is then performed while the contrast flows through the blood vessels to the various organs of the body. After scanning, the images will be processed using a special computer and software and reviewed in different planes and projections.
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What are some common uses of the procedure?

CT angiography is used to examine blood vessels and the organs supplied by them in various body parts, including:

• brain
• neck
• heart
• chest
• abdomen (such as the kidneys and liver)
• pelvis
• legs and feet
• arms and hands

Physicians use this test to diagnose and evaluate many diseases of blood vessels and related conditions such as:

• injury
• aneurysms
• blockages (including those from blood clots or plaques)
• disorganized blood vessels and blood supply to tumors
• congenital (birth related) abnormalities of the heart, blood vessels or various parts of the body which might be supplied by abnormal blood vessels

Learn more at http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angioct