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Types: CT | CTA | PET/CT

CTA
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a specialized X-ray that examines blood flow in arteries when they are filled with a contrast material (a substance that makes the blood vessels show on an X-ray). Computed tomography (CT) uses a sophisticated machine to take X-rays from many different views, producing detailed two-dimensional images that can be combined by a computer to form three-dimensional images.

CTA can be used to view blood vessels throughout the body. It is most commonly used to study the:

• Brain
• Heart
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Legs or arms

This procedure is done to help doctors identify diseased, narrowed, enlarged, and blocked blood vessels and locate where internal bleeding may be occurring. Some specific uses include:

• Detect atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) or an aneurysm (ballooning out of a section of a blood vessel), which could lead to a heart attack or stroke
• Examine arteries in the lungs to check for an embolism (blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot or other foreign substance)
• Evaluate disease in kidney arteries and help get ready for a kidney transplant

Preparing for your CTA scan

• No solid food 4-6 hours before exam
• Drink 16 ounces of water one hour prior to exam. Patient may void.

• Please arrive on time and plan to be at the facility for approximately 1-2 hours.
• Wear warm comfortable clothing.
• Please bring your insurance information and written order from your physician