CT Scan - Aorta Angiogram Test

CT Scan - Aorta Angiogram is used in detecting blockages in coronary arteries or aorta region in the heart of a patient. CT scan stands for computed tomography scan and it creates video images of different body parts when a contrast material is sent flowing through the body. It is a minimally invasive medical test used by the physicians to diagnose blockages in the aorta region of the heart. An iodine-rich contrast material (dye) is usually injected through a small catheter placed in a vein of the arm or groin. Then the CT scan is performed on the heart when contrast flows through the heart. After the scanning, a special computer & software is used to process the images and are reviewed in different planes and projections.

The patient is tested for any allergic reaction to contrast media. The patient should be empty stomach, preferably overnight. If the person has taken breakfast, then 4-5 hours should elapse before the scanning is started and I.V. contrast, administered. Oral contrast media is to be taken by patient every 10 minutes, 150 – 200 ml at a time till 1250 ml is consumed.

CT Scan - Aorta Angiogram is used to detect problems in blood flow through aorta or coronary arteries. It detects the blockages in the aorta and shows it in the images. The test detects problems with aorta like an aneurysm, aortic dissection, aortic regurgitation, congenital heart defects, inflammation of the aorta, peripheral artery disease and other such conditions.

The CT Scan - Aorta Angiogram test should be done at fully equipped diagnostic centre or hospital or medical centre with necessary facilities. The person will be given mild sedative for relaxing. A local numbing medicine or anaesthetic is used to numb a cleaned small area of the body usually an arm or the groin area. A needle is inserted into the groin blood vessel by a radiologist or a cardiologist. The needle has a guide wire passing through it and has an attached long tube (catheter). The catheter is moved into the aorta. A TV - like a monitor shows the live images of the aorta to the doctor. The catheter is guided to the correct position using X-rays.

The dye is injected into the catheter after it is moved to the correct position. The dye moves through the aorta and the X-ray shows the relevant images. The dye helps detect any blockages in the blood flow. After the CT scan is over, the catheter is removed. The bleeding is stopped by applying pressure to the puncture site for 20 to 45 minutes. Then the area is bandaged and the leg is kept straight for 6 hours after the procedure.