CT angiography

What is CT angiography?

A CT (computerised tomography) scanner uses X-rays and a computer to make pictures of the inside of your body. It is similar to a plain X-ray however it takes lots of pictures of a section (cross sections) of your body instead of just one.

CT angiography uses CT and a special contrast dye to look at blood vessels in your brain, neck, heart, lungs, kidneys and legs.

The CT scanner has a round opening in the centre and a flat bed for you to lie on. While you are lying on the bed, it will slowly move you into the opening where the pictures are taken. The movement is controlled by the CT staff.

Benefits of CT angiography

• Used for diagnosis to show very detailed pictures of inside your head, neck, body, legs and arms.
• Can be used during surgery to look at blood vessels while they are being repaired.
• Although CT scans use radiation, no radiation is left in your body after the scan is finished.
• Painless, accurate and fast.

Risks of CT angiography

Your doctor knows the risks of CT angiography and will advise you whether the benefits outweigh any possible risk.

Angiograms are not usually recommended in early pregnancy, or for people with known kidney disease but may occasionally be necessary.

Possible risks include:

• Small amount of radiation. The amount of radiation you are exposed to depends on the number of pictures taken and the part of the body being examined.
• Extremely small chance you could develop cancer in the long term from the radiation.
• An allergic reaction from the dye. You may have nausea (feeling sick), sneezing, vomiting, itching, hives and dizziness. More serious reactions can occur, but are very rare.
• Infection, bleeding or injury at the site of an injection.

If you have any allergies, tell the CT staff or radiology doctor.

If you are at all concerned regarding the risks, talk to your doctor before the examination.

Preparation

• Bring your referral letter or request form and all X-rays taken in the last 2 years with you.
• Leave the X-rays with the radiology staff as the doctor may need to look at them. The radiology staff will tell you when these are ready to be picked up.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
• Leave all jewellery and valuables at home.
• You may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure.

Tell your doctor before the scan

• If you are or may be pregnant.
• If you have any allergies and medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or thyroid problems.
• Any medications you are taking.

Just before the scan

• You may be given a gown to wear.
• You may be asked to remove any metal objects.

What happens during CT angiography

Staff will ask you to lie on the CT scan bed. Straps or pillows may be used to help you keep still during the scan, however you will be able to remain comfortable.

• CT staff will put a needle into a vein in your hand or arm and inject the dye into it.
• A salt water fluid may be passed through the needle so that it does not become blocked.

Possible side effects of dye:

• You may feel a slight coolness and a flushing for a few seconds.
• Part of your body may feel warm – if this bothers you, tell the staff.

The staff will leave the room and control the movement of the bed from behind a screen. They will be able to see, hear and speak to you at all times. You will be able to speak to them at all times. They will tell you what is happening, when to hold still and if you need to take a deep breath and hold it. If you get stiff, need to move or are feeling closed in (claustrophobic), tell the staff.

The CT staff will use a remote control to slowly move you into the opening of the CT scanner.

When the scanning is finished you will be asked to wait while the staff check the pictures.

The scan including getting you ready takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

Consent

You have the right to refuse an examination and may do so if you wish. You may be asked to complete a consent form.

When will I get the results?

The amount of time it takes for you to get your results will differ depending on where you get your scans done. The radiology doctor will look at the pictures and write a report. The pictures may be on films or on a CD.

Ask whether you should wait to take the pictures and report with you, or whether they will be sent to your doctor.

Your doctor will need to discuss the report with you. You will need to make an appointment to do this.

After CT angiography

• Staff will need to take out the needle if it is still in your arm.
• Staff will give you any special instructions.
• The dye will pass out of your body in your urine. You will not notice it as it is colourless.
• Drink plenty of fluid to help get rid of the dye.

Costs of CT angiography

For an Australian patient in a public hospital in Western Australia:

• public patient – no cost to you unless advised otherwise
• private patient – costs can be claimed through Medicare and your health insurance provider

For a patient in a private hospital or private imaging site in Western Australia – ask your doctor or the staff where you are having your test done.

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This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.