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AngioCT, or CT angiography, is a medical imaging technique that uses computerized axial tomography coupled with a contrast medium to study blood circulation within the arteries and veins. This diagnostic tool is instrumental in identifying vascular anomalies and pathologies, thereby aiding in the planning of appropriate treatments.
Before delving into the specifics of AngioCT, it is essential to understand the underlying technologies - the CT scan and angiography.
A CT scan, or Computerized Axial Tomography, is a diagnostic procedure that uses ionizing radiation (X-rays) to create detailed three-dimensional images of specific anatomical areas. The equipment consists of a scanning unit, generator, patient support table, electronic computer, command console for viewing images, and a data recording system. CT scans can be performed with or without a contrast medium, which enhances the images of specific organs, tissues, and blood vessels.
Angiography, on the other hand, is an X-ray diagnostic test that visualizes certain vascular districts to study their morphology, course, and potential alterations. It requires the use of a contrast medium, typically iodine-based, injected into the blood circulation.
AngioCT harnesses the capabilities of both CT scan and angiography to visualize blood flow and possible anomalies within the human body's vascular system. This diagnostic test is primarily used to analyze blood circulation in various body areas and organs, providing critical insights into a host of medical conditions.
With the help of AngioCT, medical practitioners can diagnose a wide range of conditions, including aortic aneurysms, cerebral aneurysms, congenital malformations of blood vessels, narrowing of the carotid artery, and coronary artery disease, among others. It can also guide surgeons during blood vessel repair procedures, evaluate the complex network of blood vessels of a tumor before surgical removal, and assess the outcome of stenting or bypass surgery.
Preparation for an AngioCT involves several steps. Patients should inform their doctor about any allergies, current medications, recent illnesses, and existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. They should also arrive for the exam fasting for at least 6-8 hours. In the case of an allergy to iodinated contrast medium, specific steroid drugs with an anti-allergic effect may be administered about 12 hours after the AngioCT.
The AngioCT procedure begins with the patient answering a questionnaire about their medical history, wearing an appropriate gown, and removing any jewelry or metal objects. The patient then lies on the sliding table of the AngioCT machine, and the radiologist, with the help of a professional nurse, performs the injection of the contrast medium. After a few minutes for the contrast medium to distribute throughout the body, the patient is introduced into the gantry, and the imaging phase begins.
The imaging process is noisy, and the patient must remain completely still for the duration of the exam, which lasts only a few seconds. After the images are collected, the patient is extracted from the gantry and can return home unless otherwise indicated by the radiologist.
While AngioCT is a powerful diagnostic tool, it does come with certain risks, including exposure to ionizing radiation and possible allergic reactions to the contrast medium. It is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy, obesity, renal failure, and diabetes. In certain situations, claustrophobia could also become a contraindication.
The results of an AngioCT may be available immediately or after a few days, depending on the patient's condition. The primary advantage of this diagnostic tool is the remarkable precision of the images provided, which can detect even the slightest narrowing of blood vessels. It is faster, less invasive, and has a lower risk of complications than catheterization angiography, making it a crucial tool in modern medical diagnostics.