CT angiography – chest

You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. While inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. A computer creates multiple separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film.…

Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on x-rays. Contrast can be given through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours…

The x-rays produced by the CT scan are painless. Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table. If you have contrast through a vein, you may have a: Slight burning feeling Metallic taste in your mouth Warm flushing of your body This is normal and usually goes away within a few seconds.

A chest CT angiogram may be done: For symptoms that suggest blood clots in the lungs, such as chest pain, rapid breathing, or shortness of breath After a chest injury or trauma Before surgery in the lung or chest To look for a possible site to insert a catheter for hemodialysis For swelling of the face or upper arms…

Results are considered normal if no problems are seen.

A chest CT may show many disorders of the heart, lungs, or chest area, including: Suspected blockage of the superior vena cava : This large vein moves blood from the upper half of the body to the heart. Blood clot(s) in the lungs . Abnormalities of the blood vessels in the lungs or chest, such as aortic arch syndrome…

Risks of CT scans include: Being exposed to radiation Allergic reaction to contrast dye Damage to kidneys from contrast dye CT scans use more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your provider…

Carmichael SP, Mowery NT, Martin RS, Meredith JW. Management of acute trauma. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery . 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 17. Gilman M. Congenital and developmental diseases of the lungs and airways. In: Digumarthy SR, Abbara…