CT angiography - abdomen and pelvis

What is Ct angiography - Abdomen and Pelvis?

CT angiography (CTA) of the abdomen and pelvis is a special type of CT scan used to study the blood vessels in the abdomen and pelvis. It is called an angiogram because it is a diagnostic procedure that uses contrast material (dye) to image blood vessels. The contrast material is injected into your arm, flows through your blood vessels, and can be imaged on the CT scan. CTA of the abdomen and pelvis is a type of digital angiography, an X-ray imaging procedure used to generate pictures of blood vessels and organs inside your body for medical diagnosis.

Preparation for CT Angiography - Abdomen and Pelvis

Before preparation for the CT angiography, a person must inform the doctor any medications they are taking and place an IV line. The doctor should also be made aware of any allergies, previous medical history, and the current health status of the patient. After discussing any allergies and medical conditions, the patient should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for 4 to 6 hours before the procedure.

Procedure of CT Angiography - Abdomen and Pelvis

CT angiography - abdomen and pelvis requires the patient to lie flat on their back for the duration of the procedure and the IV line will be injected with a contrast material. The iodinated contrast material may be a liquid, solid, or gas, which will allow the radiologist to easily distinguish blood vessels from other organs. The patient will then be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds while the images are being taken. Once the imaging is finished, the iodinated contrast material is excreted through the body.

Types of CT Angiography - Abdomen and Pelvis

The two primary types of CT angiography - abdomen and pelvis are CTA Liver, Renal, Mesenteric, and Splenic Arteries, as well as CTA Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta. The CTA Liver involves contrast injections into the liver while the CTA Renal involves contrast injections into the renal vessels. CTA Mesenteric is used to view the mesenteric vessels while CTA Splenic Artery is used to view the splenic vessels. Finally, CTA Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta involve contrast injections into the thoracic and abdominal aorta.

Risk of CT Angiography - Abdomen and Pelvis

CT angiograms - abdomen and pelvis involve exposure to X-ray radiation. Additionally, the contrast material utilized in the procedure can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and itching. There is also a risk of allergic reaction to the contrast material which can cause difficulty breathing, swelling, or rash.

Why is CT Angiography - Abdomen and Pelvis Used?

CT angiography - abdomen and pelvis is a useful diagnostic tool for imaging the abdominal aorta and central arteries of the body in order to identify blockages or narrowing in the vessels. It can also be used to identify congenital defects in abdominal blood vessels, tumors, or aneurysms, as well as to detect blood clots or pinpoint the areas of active bleeding.

When is CT Angiography - Abdomen and Pelvis Done?

CT angiography - abdomen and pelvis is typically done when other imaging tests such as regular, non-contrast CT scans cannot provide the same level of detail needed for diagnosis. It is also often done before invasive vascular procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in order to determine the extent of disease or blockages.