CT ANGIO ABDOMEN

Computed Tomography (CT)

This is an advanced form of X-ray. Instead of taking a single picture, the CT scanner rotates around your body, taking multiple cross-sectional images, or "slices." A powerful computer then processes these slices to create highly detailed 3D reconstructions of your internal organs, bones, and tissues.

Angiography

This part of the test specifically focuses on your blood vessels (arteries and veins). To make them visible on the scan, a special iodine-based contrast dye is safely injected into a vein, typically in your arm. This dye travels through your bloodstream, causing the blood vessels to appear bright white on the CT images.

The combination of these two technologies allows our radiologists to visualize the flow of blood and identify any abnormalities, blockages, or structural issues within the arteries and veins of your abdomen and pelvis with remarkable clarity.

Types of CT Angiography of the Abdomen

CTA for Renal Arteries

This type specifically evaluates the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys. It is a primary tool for diagnosing renal artery stenosis, a common cause of secondary hypertension.

CTA for Mesenteric Arteries

This scan focuses on the arteries supplying blood to your intestines (the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries). It is crucial for diagnosing mesenteric ischemia, a serious condition caused by poor blood flow to the gut.

CTA for Aorta and Iliac Arteries

This is the key imaging study used to screen for, diagnose, and monitor an aortic aneurysm. It provides precise measurements of the aorta's diameter and helps plan for potential surgical repair. This is a common and important use of the CTA abdomen for aortic aneurysm detection.

Multiphase Scans

In situations like trauma or suspected internal bleeding, the radiologist may perform a multiphase scan. This involves taking images at different times after the contrast injection (e.g., an early arterial phase and a later venous phase) to pinpoint the exact location of active bleeding.

Vessel Patency

Are the blood vessels open and allowing blood to flow freely, or are they blocked (occluded)?

Vessel Caliber

What is the diameter of the vessels? The radiologist will look for areas of abnormal narrowing (stenosis) or ballooning, which is the hallmark of an aortic aneurysm.

Plaque Buildup

The scan can reveal the presence and extent of calcified or soft plaque on the artery walls, which is a sign of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Anatomical Variants

The report will note any variations in your vessel anatomy that differ from the typical pattern. Most variants are harmless, but they are important information for surgeons if a procedure is needed.

Active Bleeding (Extravasation)

One of the most critical findings is identifying if contrast dye is leaking out of a blood vessel. This indicates active internal bleeding and requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic

This is the most common reason. The scan is used to find the specific cause of symptoms like sudden and severe back or abdominal pain, which could signal a ruptured aneurysm, or to investigate unexplained bleeding.

Screening/Monitoring

For patients with a known or suspected aortic aneurysm, a CT Angiography Abdomen scan is the gold standard for monitoring its size over time to determine if and when intervention is needed.

Pre-Surgical Planning

Before complex surgeries like an organ transplant, cancer resection, or aneurysm repair, surgeons need a detailed "road map" of the patient's unique vascular anatomy. The CTA provides this essential information, leading to safer and more effective procedures.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Angiography of the Abdomen?

Investigating Symptoms

Individuals with unexplained, severe, or sudden abdominal or back pain, a pulsating feeling or mass in the abdomen, or unexplained blood in their stool may need this scan.

Diagnosing Conditions

It is used to diagnose suspected blockages (occlusions), narrowing (stenosis), bulges (aneurysms), or abnormal connections (fistulas) in the abdominal blood vessels.

Managing High Blood Pressure

For patients with hypertension that is difficult to control with medication, a CTA can check for narrowing of the arteries leading to the kidneys (renal artery stenosis), which can be a cause.

Evaluating Trauma

Following an injury to the abdomen, a CTA is a fast and effective way to detect internal bleeding from damaged blood vessels.

Benefits of Taking the Test

• High Accuracy: It provides exceptionally detailed and accurate images of blood vessels that are often superior to other non-invasive methods.
• Less Invasive: It can often provide the same or more information than a traditional catheter angiography, which is a more invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter directly into an artery.
• Speed and Convenience: The scan itself is very quick, often taking less than a minute of actual imaging time. The entire appointment is usually completed in under an hour.
• Critical for Diagnosis: It plays a vital role in the early detection of life-threatening conditions like a ruptured aortic aneurysm or acute mesenteric ischemia, where prompt treatment is essential for a positive outcome.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Angiography of the Abdomen

• Aortic Aneurysm and aortic dissection (a tear in the inner layer of the aorta).
• Renal Artery Stenosis (narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys).
• Mesenteric Ischemia (blockage or narrowing of the arteries supplying the intestines).
• Internal injuries and bleeding resulting from trauma.
• Tumors that affect or are fed by major blood vessels.
• Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.
• Congenital vascular malformations.

Fasting

You will likely be instructed not to eat solid foods for 4-6 hours before your scheduled appointment. You may be allowed to drink clear liquids.

Hydration

It is important to be well-hydrated. We recommend drinking plenty of clear fluids (like water) the day before your test. This helps your kidneys process and flush out the contrast dye after the scan.

Clothing

On the day of your scan, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid clothes with metal zippers, snaps, or buttons, as metal can interfere with the CT images. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

Medication

Please inform our staff about all medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. You must let us know if you are taking Metformin (Glucophage) for diabetes, as you may be advised to temporarily stop taking it before and after the scan.

Pre-requisites

Before your scan, please ensure you have the following:

• A doctor's referral or prescription for the CT Angiography Abdomen.
• Recent blood test results for kidney function (specifically BUN and Creatinine). This is a mandatory safety check before we can administer the contrast dye.
• If you have any previous imaging reports or discs (like an ultrasound or a prior CT scan), please bring them with you. They provide valuable information for comparison.

Best Time to Take the CT Angiography of the Abdomen

For routine or scheduled scans, the test can be performed at any time by appointment during our regular hours. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we understand that emergencies happen. In situations like major trauma or suspected acute vascular events, the CT Angiography Abdomen is available 24/7 through our emergency services.

Eligibility

Not Suitable

The test is generally not recommended for patients with severe, end-stage kidney failure or those with a known severe allergy to iodine-based contrast material.

Relative Contraindication

Pregnancy is a relative contraindication. A careful discussion between the referring doctor, the radiologist, and the patient is necessary to weigh the risks against the benefits before proceeding.

Procedure for Taking a CT Angiography of the Abdomen

Step 1: Check-in & Preparation

When you arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics, you will check in at the reception. A technologist will greet you, confirm your identity and the procedure, explain what will happen, and ask a series of safety questions.

Step 2: IV Line Placement

The technologist will place a small, thin intravenous (IV) catheter into a vein in your arm or hand. This is for the injection of the contrast dye and feels like a small pinch.

Step 3: Positioning

You will be asked to lie down on your back on the padded, motorized table of the CT scanner. The technologist will make sure you are comfortable and positioned correctly. The table will then gently slide into the large, ring-shaped opening of the CT machine (called the gantry).

Step 4: The Scan & Contrast Injection

The technologist will operate the scanner from an adjacent control room where they can see, hear, and speak to you throughout the scan. They will start the automated injection of the contrast dye through your IV. As the dye enters your bloodstream, it is very common to feel a warm sensation spreading through your body and have a metallic taste in your mouth. This is a normal and expected reaction that lasts only for a minute or two.

Step 5: Breath-Holding

To get clear, blur-free images, you will be asked to hold your breath for short periods, usually about 10-15 seconds at a time. The scanner's intercom system will give you clear instructions, such as "Breathe in... hold your breath... okay, you can breathe."

Step 6: Completion

Once all the necessary images have been acquired, the technologist will return to the room, the table will slide out of the scanner, and your IV line will be removed. The entire procedure in the scanner room typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it is absolutely critical that you inform the technologist or nurse before your scan if you:

• Are pregnant or there is any possibility you could be pregnant.
• Have any known allergies, especially a previous reaction to iodine, X-ray contrast dye, or shellfish.
• Have a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, diabetes, or are currently taking Metformin.
• Have a history of asthma, multiple myeloma, or other conditions that might increase the risk of a contrast reaction.