Virginia Radiology Associates is NOW providing state of the art
imaging with 64-slice Multi-detector CTA at Prince William Hospital.
Similar multislice CTA services are offered at Fauquier Hospital,
with 64-slice CT (including coronary CTA) to be available in the
Fall 2008.
Coronary Artery CTA is a CTA study of the
chest, that is optimized to image the heart and coronary arteries.
Prior to the study, you will take an oral medication to slow your heart
rate to allow the scanner
to get the best images of these small arteries that move with the heart
motion. An IV is
placed in a vein near the elbow, to allow the
administration of IV contrast (xray dye). The study is performed
with simultaneous EKG
monitoring, to gate (coordinate) the scan with the
diastolic phase (less cardiac motion). A
series of preliminary images are
obtained, as well as a "timing test
dose of contrast", so that the scan occurs with optimum vascular
enhancement. You will then be asked to hold your breath for
approximately 10 seconds. The scan itself occurs over 5 heartbeats
(approximately 5 seconds), and then the study is completed. The IV
will be removed, and then you may meet with the Radiologist immediately
after the study to review your scan. A full report will be sent to
your referring doctor and primary care doctor.
The
coronary CTA study has the ability to detect many things associated
within the chest. Even if the coronary arteries are normal, there
may be an ancillary finding on the study that may explain your symptoms.
The test is designed to detect abnormalities of the coronary arteries
(blood supply to the heart), specifically arterial wall plaque, stenoses
(blockages), anatomic variants, and conditions affecting the heart
chambers, valves, and pericardium (lining around the heart).
Pulmonary Artery
CTA is an IV contrast CT scan, for the evaluation of the
pulmonary arteries. The
test
is most frequently performed to diagnose a condition called
"Pulmonary Embolism" (bloot clot blockages in the
pulmonary arteries). Typical symptoms include chest pain,
shortness of breath and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
The condition may be quite serious, requiring hospitalization,
anticoagulation (thinning of the blood with medication), and/or
IVC filter placement to prevent any new clots from traveling to
the lungs.
The CT study is
performed with a single breath hold of approximately 10 seconds,
while IV contrast is injected in a vein in the arm. The
images are obtained, and sent to a computer to be reviewed by a
radiologist. A preliminary report is given to your
physician immediately, and a complete report is created as well.
placed in a vein near the elbow, to allow the
administration of IV contrast (xray dye). The study is performed
with simultaneous EKG
monitoring, to gate (coordinate) the scan with the
diastolic phase (less cardiac motion). A
series of preliminary images are
obtained, as well as a "timing test
dose of contrast", so that the scan occurs with optimum vascular
enhancement. You will then be asked to hold your breath for
approximately 10 seconds. The scan itself occurs over 5 heartbeats
(approximately 5 seconds), and then the study is completed. The IV
will
be removed, and then you may meet with the Radiologist immediately
after the study to review your scan. A full report will be sent to
your referring doctor and primary care doctor.
test
is most frequently performed to diagnose a condition called
"Pulmonary Embolism" (bloot clot blockages in the
pulmonary arteries). Typical symptoms include chest pain,
shortness of breath and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
The condition may be quite serious, requiring hospitalization,
anticoagulation (thinning of the blood with medication), and/or
IVC filter placement to prevent any new clots from traveling to
the lungs.