CT Angiogram & Angiography Cardiovascular Investigations

• Computed Tomography Angiography:

  • CT coronary Angiogram
  • requires the administration of IV contrast to visualise non-calcified plaque and estimate the severity of luminal stenoses
  • allows for high resolution assessment of the presence, extent and severity of, coronary plaque
  • currently, the greatest potential clinical value of coronary CTA is in the evaluation of low - intermediate patients with symptoms of possible coronary ischaemia

  
• CT coronary angiography:

  • catheter inserted, usually into the femoral or radial artery
  • it is guided via guide wires to the myocardium, where a radio contrast dye is injected, which shows the coronary arteries and the presence of any stenosis that is restricting blood flow
  • when the catheter is inserted into the femoral artery, an angio-seal is normally used to stop the bleeding

  
• Angiography:

  • indicates site of occlusion