How is Coronary CTA different from other heart tests?
One of the common heart tests is the coronary angiogram. This test is invasive. In an invasive coronary angigram, a catheter is usually inserted into a blood vessel in the upper thigh, then maneuvered up to the coronary arteries. Contrast medium is then injected via the catheter and images an captured using X-rays. Coronary CTA is a new technology that consistently demonstrate the ability to rule out significant narrowing of the coronary arteries and can non-invasively detect "plaque", or coronary stenosis.
Advantages of 64-slice CT angiography as compared to invasive angiography
Better depiction of coronary anomalies
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Non-invasive-no complications, CT scan of the entire heart is performed in 10 to 12 seconds.
examination room time is lessthan15 minutes and there's no need for a hospital stay
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More cost-effective
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Clear visualization of calcium deposits and plaque morphology, though CT is still inferior to
intravascular ultrasound
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Better delineation of stenoses at the origin of the right and left coronary artery
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True 30 imaging
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"One-stop shop" analysis-coronary arteries, valves, ventricular analysis. myocardial mass,
plaque morphology, lung parenchyma
Source: Sebastian Leschka, M.D.
Who should consider Coronary CTA?
The single most important step is to consult your primary physician as to whether you should consider a Coronary CTA.
Some of the indications for CTA are:
High-risk profiles for coronary artery disease.
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Atypical chest pain
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Unclear or inconclusive stress-lest (treadmill test) results.
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Assessment of grafts or stents in coronary artery for patency.
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To evaluate for coronary anomaly.
Are there any risks involved?
Coronary CTA scan is a safe procedure. It is painless and non-invasive.
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Risks are often associated to exposure to X-rays and to the contrast medium that is injected
intravenously during the study. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis often outweighs
these low risks.
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For female patients, please inform the radiographer if you are pregnant or suspect that you
might be pregnant before the start of the examination.
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Some patients may experience slight pain and mild allergy, in the form of rashes and/or
nausea, when the intravenous contrast medium is injected These symptoms usually
disappear quickly.
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The contrast medium will be excreted in your urine.
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The radiologist and radiographer will be constantly present to ensure your safety.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should refrain from food and drinks for at least 4 hours before the examination
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Inform the radiographer if you suffer from diabetes mellitus, asthma, heart condition, kidney
problems and any drug allergies.
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You are required to give a written consent for the examination.
How is the procedure performed?
You will be asked to change into an examination gown and remove any metallic object around
the chest.
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In the examination room, you will be positioned on the CT table and a small needle will be
placed in your arm.
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The same needle in the arm may be used to give a medication to slow or stabilize your heart
rate for better imaging results before the injection of contrast medium through it.
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Once the scanning has started, the table will move very slowly Into the gantry You may hear
mechanical noises from the scanner as it acquires images.
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You are required to keep still and hold your breath when instructed to do so.
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Depending on the type of CT examination you undergo, the whole examination may take 30
minutes to complete.
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You can resume your normal daily activities after the scan.
When can I expect the results?
A radiologist, who is a physician experienced rn Coronary CTA and other diagnostic imaging
studies, will analyze the images and write a report.
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The signed report will be sent to your primary care physician before your next appointment.
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