CT NECK ANGIO

CT neck angiography is an imaging method of the neck that utilizes computerized tomography (CT) and contrast media to view the blood vessels in the neck region. This test is helpful in diagnosing vascular pathologies of the neck like aneurysms, stenosis, and malformations. Patients are sometimes instructed not to eat for a couple of hours before the test and must remove all metallic items from their body. It is also necessary to inform the physician about all medications being taken.  

What is CT Neck Angiography? 

CT Neck Angiography is a modern imaging test of the neck blood vessels which consists of the injection of contrast media, fluoroscopy, and X ray film taken from the mammographic or microfocus X ray unit in the neck region. The contrast medium is injected into the blood vessels using a thin catheter and permits visualisation of the vessels in the images. The test is done primarily for the carotid and vertebral arteries which are responsible for the blood supply to the brain. 

Types of CT Neck Angiography 

There are two variants of CT Neck Angiography: 

• CT Angiography of the Neck with Contrast: This is the most frequently performed CT Neck Angiography type where the blood vessels are visualized after injecting a contrast medium. 
• Non-Contrast CT Angiography: This test employs advance

The following observations are noted by health specialists when performing the test: 

• Narrowing and diameter of a blood vessel 
• Stenosis or occlusion of a blood vessel 
• Aorta or blood vessel's dilatation 
• Abnormal blood vessels or malformations 
• Patterns and velocities of blood flow 

CT Neck Angiography is ordered for the following medical conditions or symptoms: 

• Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) 
• Disease of the carotid artery 
• Disease of the vertebral artery 
• Aortic issues or blood vessel malformations 
• Blood vessel stenosis or occlusion 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Neck Angiography? 

The following conditions or signs may suggest to the practitioner that a CT Neck Angiography can be performed: 

• Sign and symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) 
• Uncontrolled Hypertension 
• Hypercholesterolemia 
• Positive family history of vascular diseases 
• Some other imaging studies like carotid ultrasound have noted abnormalities. 
• A smoking or diabetic patient 
• Neck surgery or R/T patients 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The other advantages of CT Neck Angiography involve: 

• Precise diagnostics of vascular diseases of the neck region 
• Painless, non-invasive procedure 
• Rapid and accurate vascular imaging 
• Vessels can be viewed from different directions 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Neck Angiography

CT Neck Angiography is effective in diagnosing the following diseases: 

• Stenosis of the carotid arteries 
• Stenosis of the vertebral arteries 
• Aneurysms of the carotid and vertebral arteries 
• Arteriovenous malformation AVM 
• Carotid artery dissection 

In preparation for the exam, patients should: 

• Avoid eating anything at least 4 hours prior to the test.  
• Take-off all glasses, jewellery, and any other metallic accessory.  
• Update their physician about any pertinent medications such as blood thinners or diabetes medicine.  
• Dress comfortably without any clothes that has metallic buttons or zippers. 

Pre-requisites  

The following documents must be completed before undergoing a CT Neck Angiography:  

• Informed consent document.  
• Medical background document.  
• Blood work for kidney function and clotting factor. 

Best Time to Take the CT Neck Angiography 

The test has no time restrictions but should ideally be scheduled during times when the patient is most calm and can sit still. 

Eligibility  

These patients are usually recommended to take a CT Neck Angiography:  

• Adults who are likely suffering from a vascular issue in the neck region.  
• Patients who have previously suffered from stroke or Transient ischemic attack (TIA).  
• Patients with hypertension or high cholesterol levels. 

However, the following patients do not qualify for the test:  

• Pregnant or lactating women.  
• Patients with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease.  
• Allergic patients with a history of adverse reaction to contrast materials.  

Procedure for Taking a CT Neck Angiography  

The test procedure consists up of these steps 

1. Preparation of the patient: The patient will be gently reclined on a table and required to remove all metallic accessories.  
2. Contrast material injection: A minor catheter will be placed into the patient’s arm and the contrast material will be injected through it.  
3. Image acquisition: While the patient holds his/her neck stationary, the CT scanner will take multiple photos of the area.  
4. Wrapping up the test: Most tests will range between 10-30 minutes; this test is included. 

Caution Before Taking the Test  

Patients can suffer from the following CT Neck Angiography problems before telling their doctor to help guide the process of the CT scan:  

• Chronic Kidney Disease 
• Allergy to contrast materials 
• Childbearing or recently given birth 
• Possessing any metal devices or pacemakers