Spiral CT angiography (computer tomography angiography) is a research technique that allows visualization of blood vessels (veins, arteries) with subsequent assessment of their condition and the nature of the blood flow in them. The method is carried out using a special device - a tomograph, in which a three-dimensional image of the vessels is created by X-rays and subsequent computer processing. CT angiography is non-invasive, with minimal radiation exposure.
Indications for CT angiography
Most often the CT-angiography method is used to study coronary arteries, pulmonary veins and arteries, thoracic and abdominal aorta, carotid arteries, kidney vessels, arteries of the lower extremities. Diagnosis is prescribed to identify abnormalities of vascular development, their thrombosis, stenosis and obstruction, other vascular, as well as cardiac pathologies. Disturbing symptoms that serve as the basis for this study are:
- frequent dizziness , headache;
- numbness of limbs;
- deterioration of eyesight, hearing;
- memory impairment ;
- bleeding, etc.
Contrast preparations for CT angiography
To increase the contrast of the image and obtain an accurate picture of the circulatory system with CT angiography, a special radiopaque agent containing iodine is introduced into the body. For this, a cannula and a catheter are placed in the ulnar vein, through which a contrast drug will be delivered from the dispenser at a certain rate. In the future, it will be excreted from the body through the kidneys in a natural way.
The complications and side effects of the technique are mainly associated with the use of a contrast agent, which can cause allergic reactions. In addition, the drug used can adversely affect the condition of the kidneys. Therefore, before the test, the patient needs to perform some tests.