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Computed Tomography Angiography

(CTA)

Kom-PU-ted To-MOG-ra-fi An-ji-OG-ra-fi

by Laurie Rosenblum, MPH

Definition

Reasons for Test

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a specialized x-ray that examines blood flow in blood vessels when they are filled with a contrast material. Contrast material is a substance that makes the blood vessels show on an x-ray. Computed tomography (CT) uses a complex machine to take x-rays from many different views, producing detailed 2-dimensional images that can be combined by a computer to form 3-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

Blood Vessel in Brain

Reasons for Test TOP

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

Detecting atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries
Detecting an aneurysm, a ballooning out of a section of a blood vessel
Examining arteries in the lungs to check for blockage of a blood vessel
Evaluating disease in kidney arteries

Heart Attack

Possible Complications TOP

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Allergic reactions to contrast material
Excess bleeding
Kidney damage

What to Expect TOP

Prior to Test

Prior to the surgery, the doctor will do a physical exam.

Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking. You may have to stop certain medications, food, or beverages before the test.

At the care center:

You will remove your clothes and put on a gown or robe.
You will remove all jewelry, hair clips, dentures, and other objects that could show on the x-rays and make the images hard to read.

Description of Test

An IV is placed in a vein, and you will lie down on a narrow table. Pillows and straps may be used to keep you in a certain position. The part of your body that will be studied is moved inside the opening of the CT machine, and a test image is taken. You will be given a small amount of contrast material through the IV to check how long it takes to get to the area to be studied. Next, the IV is connected to an automatic injector and contrast material is injected. Then, the scan begins.

You must stay still during the scan. You will be asked to hold your breath for 10-25 seconds to ensure that the images are not blurred by any movement. It only takes seconds to record all the images needed.

After Test TOP

The images are checked. If needed, some are repeated.

During the hours after the procedure, drink extra fluids to help flush the contrast material from your body.

How Long Will It Take? TOP

20-60 minutes

Will It Hurt? TOP

Although the procedure is not painful, you may feel warm and flushed when contrast material is injected.

Results TOP

The findings will be reported to your doctor, usually within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and any treatment needed.

Call Your Doctor TOP

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Signs of allergic reaction, including flushing, hives, and itching
Swollen or itchy eyes
Difficulty breathing or a feeling of tightness in your throat
Nausea or vomiting

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org

Texas Heart Institute
https://texasheartinstitute.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.ca

References:

Cardiac computed tomography (Multidetector CT, or MDCT). American Heart Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated September 3, 2015. Accessed March 1, 2018.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angiocoroct. Updated July 21, 2016. Accessed March 1, 2018.

Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated: 5/2/2014

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