CT Angiogram/DSA of Brain Vessels

A CT Angiogram of the Thoracic Aorta is a diagnostic medical test that combines a CT scan with an injection of a contrast material to produce pictures of the thoracic aorta and its branches. The thoracic aorta is the largest artery in the chest and it carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

During a CT angiogram, a contrast agent is injected into a vein, usually in the arm, and then a series of X-ray images are taken. The contrast dye helps to illuminate the blood vessels on the images, providing a detailed roadmap of the brain's vasculature.DSA is a slightly more complex procedure where the contrast agent is injected directly into the arteries through a small, thin tube, or catheter, that's threaded through the vascular system under X-ray guidance. The technique allows for highly detailed, high-contrast images of the blood vessels. The primary advantage of DSA over other imaging techniques is its superior spatial resolution, which can show even very tiny vessels and slight changes in them.

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Before undergoing a CT Angiogram or DSA of the brain vessels, you might need to take note of the following:

• Fasting : You may need to fast for several hours before the procedure, as instructed by your doctor.
• Allergies : Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, particularly to contrast dyes or iodine.
• Medications : Notify your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You might need to stop certain medications before the procedure.
• Pregnancy : If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, let your doctor know as the procedure involves exposure to radiation.
• Kidney function : Those with kidney disease or diabetes should notify their doctor as the contrast dye can potentially impact kidney function.

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CT Angiogram and DSA of the brain vessels are highly effective tools in diagnosing and managing a wide variety of cerebrovascular diseases. The high-resolution images provided by these tests are critical in detecting abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed with traditional imaging techniques. They're commonly used to investigate unexplained symptoms such as persistent headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and sudden behavioral changes. Moreover, they're crucial in the diagnosis and treatment planning of life-threatening conditions like stroke or aneurysm.