CT ANGIO ABDOMEN
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
- Test name: CT Angiography Abdomen & Pelvis
- Imaging type: Non-invasive computed tomography with contrast dye
- Duration: 15–30 minutes
- Same-day reporting: Available at most centres
- Radiation exposure: Low-dose protocols used at Cadabams Diagnostics
2. What is CT Angiography Abdomen Pelvis Test?
CT angiography (CTA) combines X-rays and computer processing to create 3D pictures of blood vessels. When the scan focuses on the abdomen and pelvis, it captures:
- Abdominal aorta and branches (coeliac, superior mesenteric, renal, inferior mesenteric)
- Iliac arteries and veins
- Portal venous system
- Pelvic vascular supply
A small IV of iodinated contrast dye highlights the vessels, making blockages, aneurysms, or malformations easy to spot.
3. When and Who Needs to Take a CT Angiography Abdomen Pelvis Test?
You may need a CT angiography abdomen pelvis if you have:
- Unexplained abdominal or flank pain
- Suspected aneurysm or dissection
- Chronic or acute mesenteric ischemia
- Kidney donor evaluation
- Trauma with possible vascular injury
- Follow-up after stent or bypass surgery
List of Parameters
- Lumen diameter (aneurysm vs stenosis)
- Enhancement pattern (tumour vs thrombus)
- Calcium score (plaque burden)
- Vessel wall thickness (inflammation)
- Collateral pathways (chronic occlusion)
Why This Test
- Evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- Detect renal artery stenosis causing hypertension
- Diagnose mesenteric ischemia before bowel infarction
- Screen for pelvic varices in women with chronic pelvic pain
- Pre-surgical mapping for tumour resection
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Non-invasive: No catheter insertion into the heart
- Fast: 15-minute scan vs hours-long angiography
- Accurate: 95 % sensitivity for significant stenosis
- Guidance: Helps plan minimally invasive surgery or stenting
Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Angiography of the Abdomen
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Aortic dissection
- Renal artery stenosis
- Mesenteric ischemia
- Portal vein thrombosis
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
Preparing for test
3 Simple Steps
- Fast: Nothing by mouth 4–6 hours before the scan.
- Hydrate: Drink 1 L water the day before to protect kidneys.
- Medications: Hold metformin 48 h post-procedure if eGFR < 30.
11. Pre-requisites
- Creatinine report within 4 weeks
- Allergy history (shellfish, iodine)
- Pregnancy test for women of child-bearing age
12. Best Time to Take the CT Angiography Abdomen Pelvis Test
- Morning slots: Better contrast tolerance on an empty stomach
- Avoid during acute illness (fever, dehydration)
13. Eligibility
Eligible | Not Eligible |
---|---|
Adults 18–80 years | Pregnant women |
Stable kidney function | Severe iodine allergy |
Heart rate ≤ 80 bpm | Renal failure (eGFR < 30 unless dialysis) |
14. Procedure for Taking a CT Angiography Abdomen Pelvis Test
- Check-in at reception with ID and doctor’s prescription
- Consent form and allergy screening
- IV line inserted (18–20 G)
- Positioning on scanner table, feet-first
- Contrast injection via automated injector (4–5 mL/sec)
- Breath-hold instructions for 10–15 seconds
- Scan acquisition in arterial & venous phases
- Observation 15 minutes post-injection for delayed reactions
15. Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform staff of any prior contrast reactions
- Remove metal (belts, jewellery) to avoid artefacts
- Bring previous imaging for comparison
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
---|---|---|
Normal scan | No abnormalities detected in arteries, veins, or surrounding tissues | Vessels are healthy; no evidence of disease or vascular abnormality |
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) | Localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta (>3 cm diameter) | Risk of rupture increases with size; may require monitoring or surgery |
Renal artery stenosis | Narrowing of one or both renal arteries, often with reduced kidney perfusion | Can cause hypertension or kidney dysfunction; may need intervention |
Mesenteric artery occlusion | Blockage in the superior or inferior mesenteric artery, sometimes with bowel wall thickening | Suggests acute or chronic mesenteric ischemia; urgent evaluation needed |
Portal vein thrombosis | Blood clot within the portal venous system, sometimes with collateral vessel formation | May lead to portal hypertension; requires further investigation |
Risks & Limitations
Risks (rare but real):
- Allergic reaction to iodine (1 in 1,000)
- Contrast-induced nephropathy in severe kidney disease
- Radiation (equivalent to ~5 years of natural background)
Limitations:
- Not ideal for patients with very high heart rates or metal implants causing artefacts
- May miss very small branch vessel disease
5. Types of CT Angiography Abdomen Pelvis
Type | Focus Area | Use Case |
---|---|---|
Arterial phase | Aorta & major branches | Aneurysm, stenosis |
Portal venous phase | Mesenteric & portal veins | Thrombosis, varices |
Delayed phase | Kidneys & bladder | Tumour mapping |
Triple-phase | All of the above | Comprehensive work-up |
FAQs
Is CT ANGIO ABDOMEN painful?
No. You may feel warm during contrast injection, but it lasts seconds.
How long does the whole visit take?
Plan 60 minutes: 15 min prep, 15 min scan, 30 min observation & discharge.
Can I drive home after the test?
Yes, unless you took a sedative (rarely needed).
Will I need follow-up scans?
Your doctor will decide based on findings. Stable aneurysms may be monitored annually.
What happens if an abnormality like an aneurysm is found?
If your scan reveals a significant abnormality like a large aortic aneurysm, your referring doctor will be notified promptly. They will discuss the findings with you in detail and create a management plan. This may involve regular monitoring with repeat scans or a referral to a specialist, such as a vascular surgeon, to discuss treatment options.