CT ANGIOGRAPHY

What is CT Angiography?

It is a diagnostic procedure which creates detailed 3D images of our blood vessels and their surrounding tissue after the dye is injected into the body. This contrast material highlights the blood flow and other aspects of the blood vessels to create a detailed image. Computed tomography angiography uses X-ray and computer technology to create these images.

This test is mainly recommended by the doctor to check whether you have any blocked or narrowed coronary artery

How does the CT angiography test work?

CT angiography tests produce a detailed image of the inside of your body. This is only because a scanner makes many 2D flat images, which are combined with the help of a computer to create a 3D image, but the main difference between a  CT scan and a CT angiography is that contrast material is injected into the CT angiography, which helps in highlighting the image of the blood vessels.

Your doctor can now hold these images in hand and rotate easily; this is more like holding a blood vessel in a hand and checking it from all different angles to make a proper diagnosis and help in planning an informed medical decision. CT angiography has fewer risks as compared to tradition angiography procedure, where a catheter is inserted into the body to move inside the blood vessels until it reaches the point where your healthcare provider wants to see

Why does the doctor recommend CT angiography?

CT angiography is recommended by the doctor for these common uses listed below:

• This diagnostic procedure is helpful in analysing blood vessels and other organs of the body that are supplied by them, such as the neck, head, heart, brain, chest, limbs, abdomen, etc.
• This diagnostic procedure is recommended by the doctors to diagnose and evaluate the stages of diseases which is related to the blood vessels, such as blood clots, aneurysms, birth-related abnormalities, such as heart blockage, tumour, tear or rupture in the blood vessel, trauma, vascular malformation.
• CT angiography is also recommended by the doctor before or after the surgery to evaluate the health of the patient and to determine whether there is any aneurysm, blockage, plaque, tear or rupture of a blood vessel.

How do I prepare for CT angiography?

• Wear comfortable and loose-fitted clothes.
• Remove all kinds of metallic objects before entering the machine, such as jewellery, hairpins, watches, etc. Metallic objects interfere with the quality of the images generated, that is why before entering the exam room,  remove all such items.
• Your healthcare provider will ask you not to eat or drink anything 4-5 hours before the exam. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medication and if you have any kind of allergy or health condition.
• Women should also inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or if there is any chance that they may get pregnant. Inform your doctor, also if you are breastfeeding, as contrast material requires at least 24 hours to get out of the body.

How does the CT angiography procedure work?

• Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will insert a catheter into a vein in the arm, and from this blood sample will be taken for testing to check for kidney health.
• Technologists now position you onto the CT scanner table; you have to lie down on this table flat on your back. Straps will be used for your proper positioning on the table, and you need to stay still; excessive movements distort the image quality generated by the equipment.
• Contrast will also be injected into your body through your vein.
• Now your scanning table will move inside the CT scanner machine to generate a 3d image of your blood vessels
• Your technician will ask you to hold still. If you have any anxiety or claustrophobia, inform your technician, as they might give you some medication to relieve the symptoms
• After the scan is done, your technician will remove the catheter and put the bandage on the puncture site of the skin

What are the risks and benefits of CT angiography?

Risk:

• Allergy to contrast
• Exposure to radiation
• For patients who have kidney disease or are at the borderline of having kidney disease, administering a contrast material into their bodies can further damage the kidneys.
• Contrast can damage the skin if it is leaked into the body by mistake
• Breastfeeding and pregnant women should always inform their doctor about their condition  

Benefits:

• It is a fast and simple procedure
• It requires less time; the whole procedure of creating an image requires only a few seconds, and the preparatory phase is the main time-consuming, not the actual scan.
• This process does not require a proper surgery like traditional angiography and is less complicated
• It is less expensive
• Side effects of contrast is rare

What is the CT angiography test price in Delhi?

The CT angiography test price in Delhi may range from INR 7000 to 10000; the prices may vary based on the location and the services provided by the diagnostic test centres. City X-ray Clinic provides the best rate in Delhi for the CT angiography test with reliable results. You can visit the website to know more details about how to book your CT angiography test in Delhi.

Conclusion

A CT angiography is the most commonly ordered test, as it is non-invasive, fast and inexpensive. Before choosing the diagnostic centre for CT angiography make sure that the diagnostic center is equipped with the latest technology and best healthcare providers so that you can get accurate results. You can book your CT angiography from the most trusted City X-Ray & Scan Clinic in the city called City X-ray.