Coronary CT angiography

Coronary CT angiography (also known as CCTA or Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography) is a heart imaging test that helps determine if plaque buildup has narrowed a patient's coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart. CCTA is a non-invasive procedure that uses a powerful X-ray machine to produce images of the heart and its blood vessels.

Procedure

The procedure begins with the patient lying down on a narrow table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped CT scanner. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into a vein in the patient's arm to administer a contrast dye, which helps the blood vessels show up more clearly on the images. The CT scanner then rotates around the patient's body, taking a series of X-ray images from different angles. These images are processed by a computer to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels.

Uses

Coronary CT angiography is used to diagnose coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. It can also be used to evaluate the results of coronary artery bypass surgery or to assess the function of a stent placed in a coronary artery. In addition, CCTA can help determine the cause of chest pain or shortness of breath.

Risks

While CCTA is generally safe, there are some risks associated with the procedure. These include exposure to radiation, allergic reaction to the contrast dye, and potential kidney damage in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

Advantages

One of the main advantages of CCTA is that it is non-invasive, meaning it does not require any surgical incisions or recovery time. It also provides detailed images of the heart and its blood vessels, which can help doctors diagnose heart conditions more accurately.

Limitations

Despite its advantages, CCTA has some limitations. For example, it may not provide accurate results in patients with a high heart rate, obesity, or extensive calcification of the coronary arteries. In addition, the procedure exposes patients to radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer over the long term.

See also

• Computed tomography
• Coronary arteries
• Coronary artery disease
• CT scanner

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