Monday May 21 , 2012
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CT Angiogram (CTA) - Lower Extremity (Runoff)

CT Angiogram of the Lower Extremity - Overview & Technique

Computed tomography (CT) angiography is a relatively new procedure that provides high-resolution vascular images and detailed images of the adjacent bone and soft tissue. It is relatively non-invasive, with injection of the contrast medium through a peripheral vein. The accuracy of arterial visualization provided by CT angiography is comparable to that of DSA, and venous phase images are easily obtained.  Additionally, three-dimensional reformatting allows for excellent appreciation of anatomic relationships between bones, soft tissues, and the vascular system. Application of CT angiography is becoming more widespread, both for major vessel evaluation (thoracic and abdominal aorta) and smaller vascular beds such as the cerebral, pulmonary, renal, and mesenteric arterial systems. Computed tomographic angiography is a reliable and convenient imaging modality for diagnosing arterial injuries after blunt and penetrating trauma to the extremities. It is a noninvasive modality that could replace conventional arteriography as the initial diagnostic study for arterial injuries after trauma to the extremities.  

CTA of the Lower Extremity - Alternative Names and Explanations

CT Angiogram - Lower Extremity with or w/o contrast 73706, CTA Lower Extremity

Lower Extremity CTA - Benefits 

  • CT is fast, which is important for patients who have trouble holding their breath.
  • CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
  • A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
  • Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
  • CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
  • CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
  • CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
  • CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI.
  • CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.
  • A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
  • No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
  • X-rays used in CT scans usually have no immediate side effects.
  • Low-dose CT scans of the chest use a lower dose of radiation than conventional chest CT.

CT Angiogram of the Lower Extremity - Positive Findings 

  • For the pre-operative evaluation of aortoiliac occlusion or peripheral vascular disease of the leg, especially when there are contraindications to conventional arteriography and ultrasound has indicated significant disease, but was inconclusive regarding the pathology, in terms of whether it would be amenable to surgery.
  • Assessment of significant ischemia in the presence of ulcers or gangrene or symptoms of significant claudication.
  • Assessment of disease of large vessels:  aneurysm, dissection, AV malformations and fistulas, intramural hematoma, vasculitis.
  • Arterial entrapment syndrome.
  • Venous thrombosis, if diagnosis is not clear from other studies.
  • Vascular invasion or displacement by tumor.   
  • Pre/Post-operative or interventional vascular procedure for luminal patency versus re-stenosis (due to atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, intimal hyperplasia and other causes) as well as complications such as pseudoaneurysms related to:
    • Surgical bypass grafts.
    • Vascular stents and stent-grafts

CTA Lower Extremity - Images

CT Angiogram (Lower Extremity) - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your CTA Lower Extremity Today!

  • If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation.

  • If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment.

  • If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful! Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.


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  • CT Angiogram of the Lower Extremity, CT Angiography, CTA, lower extremity
  • CT Angiogram of the Lower Extremity information including overview, technique, alternatives, benefits, and common findings. Schedule a CTA of the lower extremity in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale.
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