Performed by injecting a shadowing agent into the patient’s veins, the angiographic examination allows accurate visualization of the inside of blood vessels, especially arteries, showing their course and possible abnormalities. It allows optimization of further management, and sometimes indicates the need to implement immediate surgical treatment. It is one of the radiological methods, using
What is the diagnostic use of computed tomography angiography (Angio-CT)?
Angiography of the carotid, cerebral, renal, cervical, vertebral, limb or aortic arteries is performed to diagnose the type of cardiovascular dysfunction. This diagnostic test allows precise diagnosis of conditions that cause serious blood clotting disorders, as well as pathologies such as:
- Vascular anomalies and malformations,
- Vein bifurcation and arterial disease,
- True and pseudo aneurysms,
- venous thrombosis,
- Atherosclerotic plaques and calcifications.
Angio-CT – patient preparation and course of the examination
A team consisting of an electroradiologist, a nurse and a radiologist performs the angiography (Angio-CT). Prior to the procedure, the patient must be fasted for at least 5 hours before the scheduled scan, and have the results of a blood analysis that determines serum creatinine levels to assess the performance of the subject’s kidneys. For those over 12 years of age, the result of the creatinine determination is issued together with the calculated eGFR, which is also important during the examination with a shadowing agent, known as contrast. People who have problems with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should also have the level of thyrotropic hormone, the so-called TSH, determined. Contrast administered during Angio-CT contains iodine, which can affect the function of this gland.
Computed tomography uses ionizing radiation, i.e. X-rays, to produce images during the scan. For this reason, the patient must bring a valid referral for the examination of the body segment in question.
Before proceeding with the diagnosis, the nurse inserts a venflon into the patient, through which the shadowing agent will be administered during the scan on the CT scanner. After the insertion, the electroradiologist takes a history of the patient, then places and positions him or her on the table. The examination should begin within a maximum of 15 minutes. The images taken are referred to a radiologist for diagnostic evaluation. Immediately following the procedure, a disc with recorded Angio-CT images is issued.
For what purpose is contrast administered to the patient?
The shading agent, known as contrast, which is used in computed tomography (Angio-CT), is administered intravenously, through a venipuncture inserted before
Under standard conditions, the walls of blood vessels are thin and do not absorb a lot of X-rays, so it is impossible to visualize them correctly. Therefore, when performing angiography, a shadowing agent is used, which, thanks to its iodine content, absorbs the radiation beam and allows detailed visualization of a specific section of the blood system.