Computed tomography angiography

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) uses X-rays and intravenously injected contrast material to create detailed images of blood vessels and surrounding tissues.

Iodinated contrast media: Contrast agents containing iodine that increase X-ray attenuation in blood and other tissues. Their passage through the bloodstream makes vessels visible on CTA.
Pulmonary embolism: Obstruction of pulmonary arteries, usually by blood clots that traveled from deep veins. CT pulmonary angiography is a common test for detecting emboli in the lung arteries.
Magnetic resonance angiography: Vascular imaging performed with magnetic resonance techniques, sometimes using injected contrast agents. It avoids ionizing radiation, but acquisition time and image quality differ from CTA.
Ionizing radiation: Radiation energetic enough to remove electrons from atoms and molecules. CTA exposes patients to X-rays, so dose optimization matters, especially for repeated scans.
Bolus tracking: A CT technique that monitors contrast enhancement and triggers scanning when it reaches a target level. It times image acquisition to the arrival of contrast in the vessels of interest.
Acute aortic syndrome: A group of emergencies involving sudden disruption or separation of layers in the aortic wall. CTA rapidly shows dissection, intramural hematoma, and related aortic emergencies.
Catheter angiography: Vascular imaging in which a catheter delivers contrast directly into arteries under X-ray guidance. It is invasive but can combine detailed imaging with treatment during the same procedure.
Contrast-induced acute kidney injury: Acute deterioration in kidney function occurring after contrast administration, with causation not always established. Kidney function and clinical context inform decisions about iodinated contrast use.
Multidetector computed tomography: Computed tomography using multiple detector rows to acquire many image slices during each rotation. Its rapid, volumetric acquisition makes CTA possible during brief contrast-enhanced phases.
Coronary CT angiography: CT imaging of coronary arteries after intravenous contrast administration. It applies CTA to assess coronary anatomy and possible atherosclerotic narrowing.

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