CT CAROTID ANGIO

A CT Carotid Angio is a quick, low-dose scan that maps the blood vessels in your neck. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use the latest 128-slice CT to spot narrowing or clots before they trigger a stroke. The test is painless, takes under 10 minutes, and gives your doctor a crystal-clear 3-D roadmap of your carotid arteries.

What is Carotid Angiography?

Carotid angiography is an imaging test that shows how blood flows through the carotid arteries—two major vessels on each side of your neck that supply the brain.
- CT Carotid Angio combines X-rays and computer technology after a small contrast dye injection.
- It highlights blockages, bulges (aneurysms), or tears (dissections) in high-resolution detail.
- Unlike older catheter methods, this scan is non-invasive and needs no overnight stay.

When and Who Needs to Take a Carotid Angiography?

You may be advised to book a CT Carotid Angio if you have:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (TIA symptoms).
• A bruit (whooshing sound) heard by your doctor through a stethoscope.
• High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol that raises stroke risk.
• A history of smoking or heart disease.
  Age is not a barrier; adults from 30 to 80+ years undergo the scan safely at Cadabams Diagnostics.

During analysis, our radiologists measure:

• Degree of stenosis – % of vessel narrowing
• Plaque type – calcified vs. soft lipid-rich
• Arterial wall thickness (IMT)
• Blood flow velocity (derived from CT)
• Presence of ulceration or thrombus

1. Evaluate stroke or TIA cause.
2. Plan carotid stenting or endarterectomy.
3. Follow-up after surgery.
4. Screen high-risk but silent patients.
5. Assess trauma-related neck vessel injury.

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Early detection of blockages before symptoms appear.
• Accurate planning for minimally invasive surgery.
• Peace of mind if results are normal.
• One-stop process: scan, report, and cardiologist consult on the same day at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Carotid Angiography (CTA)

• Carotid artery stenosis
• Carotid artery aneurysm
• Carotid artery dissection
• Vasculitis (artery inflammation)
• Fibromuscular dysplasia
• Atherosclerotic plaque ulceration

24 Hours Before

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate kidneys.
• Avoid caffeine and smoking to keep heart rate stable.

4 Hours Before

• Fast (no solid food) to reduce nausea from contrast.
• Continue most medicines; bring a list to the centre.

What to Bring

• Doctor’s prescription
• Previous scan films or CDs
• ID proof and insurance card

Pre-requisites

• Recent serum creatinine report (within 4 weeks).
• List of allergies.
• Diabetic? Inform us if you take metformin; we adjust timing.

Best Time to Take the Carotid Angiography

• Morning slots are preferred for diabetic patients after overnight fasting.
• Emergency cases are accepted 24/7 at Cadabams Diagnostics.
• Routine follow-ups can be scheduled at your convenience; no seasonal restriction.

Eligibility

Procedure for Taking a CT Carotid Angio

1. Check-in at Cadabams Diagnostics front desk.
2. Consent form & vitals taken by nurse.
3. IV line inserted in the arm for contrast.
4. Lie on CT table; head rests in a soft holder.
5. Contrast injection begins; you may feel warm—this is normal.
6. Scan lasts 5–10 seconds; hold your breath as instructed.
7. Post-scan observation for 15 minutes.
8. Digital report and films ready within 30 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

• Inform staff of pregnancy possibility.
• Remove metallic jewellery and hairpins near the neck.
• No makeup on neck area; it may contain metallic particles that cause artifacts.