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Peripheral Computed Tomography Angiography
Peripheral computed tomography angiography (also referred to as peripheral CTA) is a fast, non-invasive vascular imaging test.
It’s typically used to provide vascular disease imaging, evaluate circulation issues, and locate potential artery blockages or narrowing.
This test plays a particularly vital role in diagnosing and managing peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, especially to the legs.
Peripheral CTA helps doctors assess vascular health quickly and accurately.
What is Peripheral Computed Tomography Angiography?
Peripheral CTA is a non-invasive angiogram that allows doctors to see blood vessels in detail without needing traditional catheter-based angiography.
A peripheral CTA injects a small amount of contrast dye into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.
A CT scan then takes multiple cross-sectional images, which are combined to form a complete, three-dimensional view of your arteries.
This procedure is used to:
- Monitor symptoms: A peripheral CTA can help explain symptoms such as leg pain or cramping during activity.
- Detect blood flow: Also known as an artery blockage scan, a peripheral CTA can identify artery blockages or narrowed vessels that may limit blood flow. They can also check for aneurysms and blood clots.
- Decide next treatment steps: A peripheral CTA can help your doctor plan treatments like angioplasty (a surgery to open blocked arteries) or bypass surgery. It can also show how your heart is healing after surgery.
When you detect circulation problems early on, you can avoid more invasive procedures and manage your vascular disease more effectively.
Risks and Benefits of Peripheral CTA
Like many medical imaging procedures, peripheral CTA involves some level of risk.
Many patients decide that the benefits far outweigh the concerns, especially when it comes to early detection of vascular conditions that can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Benefits of Peripheral CTA
- Non-invasive angiogram: No catheters or surgical incisions are required.
- Quick and comfortable: The scan is typically completed in under 30 minutes without needing general anesthesia.
- Detailed vascular disease imaging: The scan provides highly accurate and precise 3D images of blood vessels.
- Early detection of blockages: Peripheral CTA helps diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD) and other circulation issues like aneurysms before they become more serious.
- Personalized treatment planning: Peripheral CTA allows your care team to determine the best approach for your specific condition.
Potential Risks of Peripheral CTA
- Radiation exposure: Peripheral CTA involves a low dose of ionizing radiation, generally considered safe for most individuals.
- Contrast dye reaction: Some people may experience mild allergic reactions to the iodine-based dye, like itching or nausea.
- Kidney strain: If you have an existing kidney problem, the contrast dye may temporarily affect kidney performance.
Your care team will review your medical history, allergies, and kidney function before the scan to ensure that peripheral CTA is both safe and appropriate for you.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Peripheral CTA
Knowing what to expect before your peripheral CTA scan can help you feel more comfortable and prepared before your scan.
Before undergoing a peripheral CTA, your care team may ask you to fast for several hours. This could include pausing certain medications on the day of the scan.
You should tell your doctor about any allergies, especially to contrast dye. Be sure also to share any recent illnesses or conditions, including whether you have diabetes or kidney disease.
When you go in for your scan, a radiology technologist will place an IV in your arm to administer the contrast dye. At this time, you’ll lie flat on a CT exam table that slides into a CT scanner shaped like a large doughnut.
Once the technologist leaves the room, the scanner will take a series of rapid images of your blood vessels as the dye circulates through your body. It’s important to remain as still as possible during the scan for clear images.
The process typically takes less than 30 minutes, and you can resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed.
Here are a few additional things to keep in mind:
- The contrast dye usually leaves your system within a day or two, but you can speed that up by drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated.
- Monitor yourself for any reactions, such as rash, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Your doctor will follow up with you to discuss the results and any recommended next steps based on your scan findings.
Am I a Candidate for Peripheral Computed Tomography Angiography?
Your doctor may recommend a peripheral CTA for circulation issues, especially if you're experiencing signs of poor circulation or have certain vascular disease risk factors.
It’s especially helpful for people who need non-invasive vascular imaging to evaluate their artery health in the legs, arms, or other extremities.
Some factors may make you a good candidate for peripheral CTA. These include:
- Persistent or worsening vascular symptoms: If you have leg pain, cramping, or numbness that worsens with activity, a peripheral CTA for diagnosing vascular disease can help.
- Detecting blockages: A peripheral CTA for blood vessels can help evaluate artery blockages or narrowing in the limbs.
- Monitoring post-operative results: A peripheral CTA can provide post-operative imaging if you’ve undergone vascular surgery or stent placement.
- Assessing risk for vascular disease: If you are at increased risk for vascular disease due to smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, or if you have a history of PAD, a peripheral vascular disease scan can evaluate your arterial health.
As with any diagnostic tool, your doctor will consider your medical history, symptoms, and overall health to determine whether a peripheral CTA is the most appropriate next step in your care plan.
Identify Problems with an Artery Blockage Scan
Peripheral CTA offers a quick and effective way to understand what’s going on inside your arteries if you're experiencing symptoms of poor circulation or are concerned about your risk for vascular disease.
Whether you're working to prevent heart disease or manage an existing vascular condition, this scan can help guide the next steps in your care.
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