What is CT Angiography (CTA)?

CT (Computed Tomography) angiography is a type of examination of arteries and veins that combines CT scanning with the injection of contrast to obtain images of blood vessels and tissues in a part of your body. The contrast medium is injected through an intravenous (IV) line that starts in your arm or hand, sometimes in your leg or foot. CT scanning is a type of X-ray that uses a computer to create cross-sectional and reconstructive 3D images of your body. The contrast medium injected for CT angiography "illuminates" the blood vessels and tissues being studied, allowing for precise visualization.

How should I prepare for a CTA?

PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, check with your doctor before scheduling the examination. There are options for other examinations under such conditions.

CLOTHING: You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. If so, a gown will be provided for you. A lock will be available to secure all personal belongings. Remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

CONTRAST MEDIA: CT scanning is commonly done with and without contrast medium. The contrast agent enhances the radiologist's ability to find abnormal structures. Some patients should not receive iodine-based contrast. If you have kidney function problems, please notify us in advance. We may be able to perform the scan without the contrast medium, or find an alternative examination for your condition. You will be asked to sign a consent form that details the risks and side effects associated with the contrast medium injected through the intravenous (IV) line (a small tube placed in a vein).

ALLERGIES: Inform the contact person when you check in for the scan if you have had an allergic reaction to any contrast medium. IV contrast will not be administered if you have previously had a severe or anaphylactic reaction to any contrast medium. Mild to moderate reactions require a plan that includes taking medication before the CT scan. These plans will be discussed with you in detail when you schedule your examination. Any known reactions to contrast media should be discussed with your primary care physician.

FOOD/DRINK: If your study is scheduled without contrast, you can eat, drink, and take prescribed medications as usual before the test. If your doctor has planned a CT with contrast, do not eat anything for three hours before the CT scan. We recommend you drink clear fluids. You may also take prescribed medications before the examination. If you are undergoing CTA for the chest, do not consume caffeine or exercise three hours before your appointment.

DIABETICS: Diabetics should eat a light breakfast or lunch three hours before the scan. Depending on your oral diabetes medications, you may be asked to stop taking your medication 48 hours after the CT scan. Detailed instructions will be provided after the examination.

MEDICATIONS: All patients can take prescribed medications as usual. Based on your health condition, your doctor may require other specific preparations.

What happens during the CTA scanning?

This test can be done as an outpatient or in a hospital. The CT scanner is a machine that resembles a short tunnel, into which the examination table enters and exits. The tests may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practice. During the test, you will be positioned on the examination table and configured by a radiologic technologist. An IV line will be placed in your arm. You may feel warmth when the contrast material is injected, and you might notice a metallic taste briefly. The radiologic technologist will leave the room just before the examination table begins. Throughout the scan, the technologist monitors you through a window from an adjacent room and communicates with you via intercom. Scanning is painless. You may hear clicking, buzzing, and humming as the scanner rotates around you. You may be asked to hold your breath while scanning. Depending on which part of the body is being scanned, the test may last from about 5 minutes to an hour or more. You may need to wait a little longer while the technologist checks that the images are of adequate quality.

What happens after the CTA?

Once the test is completed, the IV will be removed. In most cases, you can return to all your normal activities at home. You may receive additional instructions after the test, depending on your situation. By arrangement with our staff, sometimes you will receive the results and explanation in a short time; other times in 24-48 hours depending on the extent of the findings and the issues being examined. You will also receive a recording on a DVD and access codes to the patient portal, which allows for a significantly quicker review of images for both you and the doctor who indicated the examination, as the amount of data on the DVD is huge and the technical capabilities of computers/laptops are not always suitable for such display.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) 

What is Magnetic Resonance Angiography?

You have probably heard of a test called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this test, radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer create scans of parts of your body to identify health issues. Magnetic Resonance Angiography—also known as MR Angiography or MRA—is a type of MRI specifically looking at the blood vessels of the body. Unlike a traditional angiogram, which requires a catheter inserted into the body, magnetic resonance angiography is a far less invasive and less painful test. During magnetic resonance angiography, you lie flat within the MRI scanner. This is a large tube-like tunnel. In some cases, a special dye, known as contrast, may be added to your bloodstream to make your blood vessels easier to see. When necessary, the contrast is administered through an intravenous (IV) needle.

Why might I need Magnetic Resonance Angiography?

If your healthcare provider believes you might have narrowing or blockage of blood vessels somewhere in your body, he or she may recommend magnetic resonance angiography. Other conditions that your healthcare provider may be looking for during this test include:

• Aneurysm or weakness in the wall of an artery
• Narrowing of the aorta or coarctation of the aorta
• Bleeding in and along the wall of the aorta or aortic dissection
• Determining the cause of a stroke
• Signs of heart disease
• Narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the arms or legs
• Renal artery stenosis, narrowing of blood vessels in the kidneys that can lead to high blood pressure and even kidney failure.

What are the risks of Magnetic Resonance Angiography?

If a dye is needed to make blood vessels easier to see during the test, you may feel some discomfort from the IV insertion. You may also experience some anxiety when you settle into the MRI scanner, which is a small, tight space. If you think you might be claustrophobic, be sure to tell your doctor in advance. You may be given a mild sedative to make your stay in the MRI scanner more tolerable. Some potential risks of magnetic resonance angiography include:

• You could suffer physical injuries from metal objects in your pockets or clothing or from metal implants (such as a pacemaker or bullet fragment) in your body.

Before you undergo the test, you will be asked a series of detailed questions about any metal you may have in your body.

• If you have kidney problems, your doctor or radiologist may decide to perform a non-contrast examination of the blood vessels.
• Pregnant women may have additional risks during MRI scanning. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. You may be at risk for other complications depending on your specific health condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the test.

How should I prepare for an MRA study?

FOOD/DRINK: You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual.

CLOTHING: You must completely change into a hospital gown and lock up all personal belongings. A gown and locker will be provided for you. Remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The scanning takes place inside a tunnel that is open at both ends. You must lie perfectly still for quality images. The machine is loud, so earplugs or headphones are necessary and will be provided for you.

CONTRAST: Your examination may include the injection of contrast material. The contrast medium is a special liquid that is injected through an intravenous (IV) line, into a vein. Some people may notice discomfort, burning, or warmth in their mouth, a metallic taste, tingling in the hand, nausea, or headache. These symptoms quickly subside.

ALLERGY: If you have had an allergic reaction to a contrast medium that required treatment, inform your physician who ordered the test to get the recommended prescription for oral medication to take 24, 12, and 2 hours before the examination.

ANXIETY: If you need anti-anxiety medication due to claustrophobia, talk to your referring doctor or radiologist and technologist performing the scan. Keep in mind that you will need someone to drive you home.

STRONG MAGNETIC ENVIRONMENT: If there is metal in your body that has not been disclosed prior to your appointment, your examination may be delayed or canceled upon your arrival until additional information is obtained. Your doctor may suggest additional preparation depending on your situation.

What happens during Magnetic Resonance Angiography?

Magnetic resonance angiography can be done as an outpatient or during a hospital stay. Generally, magnetic resonance angiography follows this process: You will remove all clothing, jewelry, or other items that may interfere with the scanning and put on a gown. If contrast dye is needed for better visibility of blood vessels, it will be administered via IV. You will be positioned on the examination table directly outside the MRI scanner. The table will slide into the MRI machine. You must lie still during the scanning process. Any movement can blur the images and cause the results to be less precise. The MRI machine typically produces a lot of noise, including loud humming, so don’t be alarmed. A complete scan may take from 10 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the issue being examined. This will depend on the type and number of blood vessels your doctor wants to examine. Scanning usually does not cause side effects or complications.

Reading the results

After the MRA examination with us, you are free to leave. By arrangement with the staff, sometimes you will receive the results and explanation in a short time; other times in 24-48 hours depending on the extent of the findings and the issues being examined.

You will also receive a recording on a DVD and access codes to the patient portal, which allows for a significantly quicker review of images for both you and the doctor who indicated the examination, as the amount of data on the DVD is substantial and the technical capabilities of computers/laptops are not always adequate for such display.