CT Angiogram of the Brain - 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. Because CT angiography gives superior views of vessels in the head and neck, it's useful for spotting narrowing there. The technique also reveals aneurysms, ruptured or whole, but Takhtani says neurologists have been slower to embrace that use because conventional angiography means an arterial catheter is already in place, should a coil or stent be required.

CTA of the Brain - Alternative Names and Explanations

CT Angiogram - Brain with & w/o contrast 70496, CT angio of the brain, CT angio of the head, head CT angiogram.

• Brain CTA - Benefits

• CTA can be used to examine blood vessels in many key areas of the body, including the brain, kidneys, pelvis
• Rapid injury assessment, no time wasted
• less discomfort because contrast material is injected into an arm vein rather than into a large artery in the groin.
• 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.

CT Angiogram of the Brain - Positive Findings

• Aneurysm
• Stenosis
• Dissection
• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

CTA Brain - Images

CT Angiogram (Brain) - References, Links, and Additional Information

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