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« Back to Dual-Source Cardiac CT
CT coronary angiography (CTA) is a newly developed technique for non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery disease. CT scan is an X-ray procedure, which combined with iodine-based contrast agents, generates cross sectional views of the heart and coronary arteries. At the Emory Cardiac Imaging Center, we use a state of the art multi-detector CT system to acquire high-resolution images of the heart and great vessels. This advanced technology is being used more and more to identify calcified and non-calcified plaques in the coronary arteries or to exclude the possibility of stenosis due to atherosclerosis. Early stages of coronary atherosclerosis can be detected before the development of coronary arterial narrowing.
Indications
The CT coronary angiography may be employed in a variety of clinical settings.
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Identify narrowing of coronary arteries |
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Identify buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries before the development of arterial narrowing |
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Evaluate bypass grafts after coronary artery bypass surgery |
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Evaluate congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries or great vessels |
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Coronary vein assessment for pacemaker implantation |
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Detect aortic aneurysm or dissection |
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Preparing for the procedure |
The patient will be asked not to eat or drink for two hours and to avoid caffeinated drinks and exercise for six hours prior to the procedure. The patient will be asked to comlete a saftey questionnaire to identify any allergies to foods, drugs, and iodine. In certian situations, the patient may need a blood test to assess kidney function and to exlude pregnancy prior to the scan.
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