CT-angio

A CT angiography (CTA) visualizes your blood vessels (arteries) by using contrast fluid injected while performing a CT scan. A CTA may be necessary if there are signs that blood flow to the organs in the abdomen or to the legs is disturbed (e.g. pain and/or cramps in the legs while walking that improves with rest).

Course

Before the examination

Be sure to report to the nurse if there are any known allergies and present your allergy card. Please also mention if you are taking blood thinners.

During the examination

You will be positioned on your back on the CT scanner table. The nurse will then place a venous catheter (usually) in the arm through which the contrast fluid will be injected at the start of the scan. It is completely normal if you experience some transient tingling or a warm feeling during the contrast injection. Some patients may experience nausea for a short time, but this will disappear very quickly. Try to lie as still as possible and not swallow or breathe when asked.

After the examination

After the examination, you can immediately go home. The radiologist will make a report of all findings. You will receive a code/link with which the images and the report can be viewed by yourself and the requesting doctor. Your referring doctor will discuss these results with you afterward.