CT Scan Pulmonary Angiography (CTA)

The CT Scan Pulmonary Angiography (CTA) is an imaging procedure performed to assess the blood flow patterns. This test helps identify the pressure of the blood vessels and also evaluates for blockages or narrowing of these blood vessels. In CT, a contrast dye is injected which allows arteries to show blood flow patterns.

This test is performed if a doctor suspects a blockage in pulmonary or lung vessels. The other issues for which this test is performed are potential clot or pulmonary artery aneurysm, narrow blood vessels in and around lungs and to determine if shortness of breath is caused by the inadequate blood supply to the lungs.

CT pulmonary angiography is the first-line imaging test for acute pulmonary embolism since it is non-invasive and has high rate of efficiency.