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Angio-CT is a non-invasive variant of angiography, i.e. a test that allows you to assess the condition of blood vessels on the basis of an image. Computed tomography of blood vessels can be used in virtually all areas of the body. It does not require administration of the contrast through a catheter introduced into a blood vessel. What vascular diseases will we diagnose thanks to angio-CT?
What is angio-CT examination?
One of the basic tests used in the assessment of the condition of blood vessels is angiography. This is an x-ray examination in which a contrast agent is administered through a vascular catheter. The image is observed on the screen of the X-ray machine. The procedure is quite invasive as the catheter is led inside the vessel to the area where the contrast is to be administered. The less invasive variant is spiral computed tomography of blood vessels also called angio-CT.
In the case of vascular tomography, or CT angiography, X-rays and contrast are also used. The difference is that the contrast agent is injected intravenously through a cannula. The study also allows to obtain a series of multilayer images (also 3D) with high detail. The group of less invasive methods of assessing blood vessels also includes angio-MR (magnetic resonance imaging of vessels) and Doppler ultrasound.
- Find out more: Computed tomography – when to perform and how to prepare?
Angio-CT in diagnosis
Computed tomography of blood vessels is widely used in diagnostic imaging studies of the vascular system. It is effective in imaging the vessels of the entire body, from the head to the lower limbs. As part of the angio-CT examination, we will obtain cross-sections of veins and arteries, as well as reconstruction of their interior in the form of two- or three-dimensional images.
Using the angio-CT technique, it can be examined:
- vascular structures of the head (cerebral arteries and veins). Used in the diagnosis of: atherosclerotic stenosis, aneurysms, dissections, venous thrombosis, vascular or neoplastic changes in the brain and other vascular anomalies.
- carotid arteries. The indications here are similar to those for angio-CT of the head. The examination is also performed in order to qualify a patient for surgical treatment or the use of an endovascular prosthesis (stent graft). Angio-CT of the carotid arteries also has a control role after surgery.
- the chest (veins, arteries and pulmonary arteries). Chest computed tomography is an important step in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The indications for the examination are also, among others: venous thrombosis, true and pseudoaneurysms, upper thoracic opening syndrome, inferior vena cava syndrome.
- coronary arteries. Often, tomography of the coronary arteries is performed as an aid in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The test is also useful in qualifying patients for certain treatments
- the thoracic aorta. The examination is performed to assess changes such as aortic aneurysms and dissecting aneurysms, and obstruction within the major branches of the aortic arch. The indications for the thoracic aortic tomography may be the control of the condition of stent grafts or the diagnosis of the subclavian steal syndrome, aortic stenosis and other vascular pathologies.
- renal arteries, abdominal aorta and visceral trunk (abdominal cavity and pelvis). Indications for angiotomography of these vessels may include: aneurysms, suspected dissections, atherosclerotic stenosis, thrombosis and other anomalies, Leriche’s syndrome, visceral angina.
- arteries of the lower extremities. The limb examination is performed in order to locate disturbing pathological changes, i.e. again – dissection, aneurysms and other abnormalities.
Private performance of computed tomography of blood vessels amounts to an average of PLN 250–650. The final cost depends on the area of the body and where the procedure is performed.
Contraindications to computed tomography of blood vessels
The CT scan has few contraindications. They mainly concern the administration of contrast for examinations, as well as exposure to a large dose of X-rays. It is precisely because of the ionizing radiation that the angio-CT cannot be performed in pregnant women. The exceptions are cases of threats to the mother’s health and life, when invasive testing techniques have already been ruled out.
Regarding the question of administering the contrast agent, computed tomography is not an indication if the patient has previously experienced an allergic reaction to this agent. Before the test, the concentration of creatinine in the blood is checked – its abnormal level excludes the possibility of giving contrast.
Other precautions against angio-CT concern informing the doctor about breastfeeding, thyroid diseases, kidney failure, bronchial asthma, previous treatment with radioactive iodine or about allergy to iodine.
- Also read about full-body magnetic resonance imaging.
How is angio-CT performed?
Before the start of irradiation with ionizing radiation, the patient is administered a contrast agent through a cannula. This means that you should come to the tomography on an empty stomach and increase the supply of fluids (still water). You should drink more not only before the test, but also after it to speed up the washout of the contrast substance from the body.
During the angio-CT examination, the patient lies on a movable table which moves inside the ring-shaped apparatus. It is important to remain still so as not to disturb your photos. Duration of computed tomography may be 20–40 minutes. It takes a few days for the results to come out.