CT AORTOGRAM THORAX & ABDOMEN

A CT CT AORTOGRAM THORAX & ABDOMEN scan is a quick, painless imaging test that maps every branch of your aorta from the chest to the belly. At Cadabams Diagnostics, our 128-slice CT scanners capture 3-D pictures in seconds, helping doctors spot blockages, aneurysms or tears before symptoms turn serious.

What is CT Angiography?

CT Angiography (CTA) uses X-rays and an iodine-based contrast dye to create high-resolution images of blood vessels. When focused on the thorax and abdomen, it becomes a CT Aortogram, providing a movie-like view of the aorta, renal arteries, iliac vessels and their branches. No catheter is threaded through the heart—just a small IV in the arm—making it far safer than traditional angiograms.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Angiography?

Common Scenarios

• Chest or back pain that may point to an aortic aneurysm or dissection
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure needing vessel assessment
• Follow-up after stent or graft placement in the aorta
• Kidney donor evaluations to map renal arteries
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) with suspected abdominal vessel involvement

  If you have a family history of aneurysm or smoke heavily, your physician may advise an early screening.

• Unexplained abdominal pulsations
• Sudden ripping chest pain (aortic dissection red flag)
• Pre-operative planning for bypass or endovascular repair
• Trauma evaluation after high-impact injury
• Monitoring connective-tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome

Benefits of Taking the Test

• 10-minute scan with no overnight stay
• Sub-millimetre accuracy detects 2 mm aneurysms
• 3-D reconstruction aids surgeons in precise graft sizing
• Early detection prevents rupture and life-threatening bleeding
• Cost-effective compared to invasive catheter angiography

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Aortogram Thorax & Abdomen

• Aortic aneurysm
• Aortic dissection
• Atherosclerotic narrowing
• Renal artery stenosis
• Mesenteric ischemia
• Takayasu arteritis
• Post-surgical leaks or endoleaks

1. Fast 4 hours before the scan—clear fluids allowed until 2 hours prior
2. Remove jewellery and metallic objects
3. Wear loose, cotton clothing or change into a gown
4. Discuss medications—Metformin paused 48 hours post-contrast
5. Bring prior reports for comparison

Pre-requisites

• Kidney function tests (Serum Creatinine & eGFR) within 4 weeks
• Recent ECG if over 45 years or diabetic
• Consent form acknowledging risks and radiation dose
• Pregnancy test for women of childbearing age

Best Time to Take the CT Angiography

• Morning appointments ensure better hydration status
• At least 6 weeks after any acute illness to stabilise kidney function
• For follow-ups, schedule on the same scanner to maintain consistency

Eligibility

• Adults 18 years and above
• Stable vitals: BP <180/110 mmHg & HR <100 bpm
• eGFR >30 ml/min/1.73 m²
• No severe claustrophobia (open-bore scanner available on request)

Procedure for Taking a CT Aortogram Thorax & Abdomen

1. IV line insertion in the antecubital vein
2. Contrast injection via automated pump; warm sensation felt
3. Breath-hold commands for 8–10 seconds during scan
4. Dual-phase imaging captured in <30 seconds
5. Observation for 15 minutes post-procedure to watch for reactions

Caution Before Taking the Test

• Inform about asthma or prior severe allergic reactions
• Pause SGLT-2 inhibitors 3 days prior (risk of euglycaemic ketoacidosis)
• Avoid caffeine on test day to keep heart rate steady
• Bring a companion if you’ve had previous contrast reactions