A CT angiogram is a safety imaging test. It helps doctors see the arteries and veins in different parts of the body, mostly the heart. This test gives doctors clear pictures that help them figure out heart problems in their patients. They can examine parts like valves that are blocked or narrowed. This blog post will go into great depth about the CT angiogram. You can explore what are the uses and techniques to conduct a CT heart scan. We will also discuss how doctors understand the results.
What is a CT Angiogram?
You can see the body’s blood veins on a CT angiogram (CTA). It is a special kind of heart CT scan. CTA makes detailed cross-sectional pictures by using X-rays and computer technology together. The test is very helpful for finding out what’s wrong with the heart and coronary vessels.
During the scan, they put a contrast dye into a vein. This is generally done in the arm. This makes the blood vessels prominent for the scan. This dye makes the arteries and veins visible in the images. This makes it easier to find any clogs, clots, or other problems for doctors.
Why is a CT Angiogram Performed?
Doctors suggest a CT coronary angiogram to look at the coronary arteries. They see if there are any problems with the heart. Such as plaque buildup, artery clogs, or other heart issues. It’s often given to people who have chest pain and shortness of breath. People who get results from other heart tests that are not normal may also undergo a CT angiogram.
The virtual angiogram is a non-invasive option to standard angiography. It lets doctors see the heart and its veins without having to put a tube into the patient’s body. This makes the process safer and more comfortable for the patient.
Imaging Protocols for a CT Angiogram
For a CT angiogram, the imaging procedures help to give the most exact results. You can get clear pictures of the blood vessels. The following steps are usually performed. However, they can be a little different on the basis of the part of the body being scanned:
- Contrast Injection:
They put a contrast dye into the blood of the patient. The color moves through the blood arteries. It makes them visible in the picture. It is necessary to recognize the arteries and veins apart from the tissues around them.
- CT Scanning:
The person is lying on a table that slides into a big camera in the shape of a donut. The scanner takes many X-ray pictures from various points as it moves around the body. A computer then takes these pictures. It turns them into detailed 3D views of the blood vessels.
- Breath-Holding:
Some scans may require patients to hold their breath for brief intervals. This helps keep things from moving around. They make sure the images are better, especially for the heart scan. This is because even small moves can ruin the quality of the pictures.
- Image Reconstruction:
After the scan, they put photos back together to make accurate cross-sections. This shows the arteries virtually. A virtual angiogram is the name for this method.
Interpreting the Results of a CT Angiogram
123 Body Scan is the best medical center that helps you interpret the results. CT coronary angiogram requires expert knowledge and experience. Radiologists or cardiologists carefully review the images to identify any abnormalities, such as:
- Plaque Buildup
The arteries can get hard masses of calcium, fat, and other things. A CT heart angiogram can help find these spots. It shows if they are blocking blood flow to the heart.
- Artery Narrowing or Blockages
Heart problems can be very bad if your vessels become narrow. The test lets doctors see how small the artery really is. They decide if their patients need other treatments, like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
- Aneurysms
An aneurysm happens when a blood vessel’s wall gets weak and bulges out. A CT angiogram can find lesions in the aorta and other blood vessels.
- Blood Clots
Blood clots can get to important areas and cause life-threatening diseases. These include strokes and lung embolisms. The test can help find them.