Computed tomography of the carotid artery with contrast injection

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Truong Duc - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Computerized tomography of the carotid artery system with contrast injection is a highly accurate non-invasive vascular imaging technique, being widely used to diagnose neurovascular diseases.

1. What is carotid tomography with contrast injection?

Computerized tomography (English name is Computed tomography and abbreviated as CT) uses the technique of tomography x-ray, the collected data will be processed by a computer system to create images. With the development of algorithms and computer speed, the computer system will generate images in different orientations (MPR), 3D volumetric imaging, MIP or background removal images.
Computed tomography of the carotid system with contrast injection is an advanced, non-invasive vascular imaging technique with high sensitivity and specificity that is being widely used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. neurovascular disease. Carotid angiography by computerized tomography technique reduces the risk of complications compared with invasive procedures in digital background erasure angiography.

2. Indications, contraindications to computed tomography of the arterial system with contrast injection

Computerized tomography of the carotid artery system with contrast is indicated in the following cases:
● Aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm of the carotid or vertebral arteries.
● Carotid artery stenosis - live; Acute or chronic occlusion of the carotid-living system due to atherosclerosis, endocarditis.
● Anatomical abnormalities of carotid-vertebral system
● Non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic arterial wall abnormalities: dilated and elongated arterial wall dysplasia.
● Injuries to the carotid artery system – live trauma.
● Anatomical assessment of the carotid vascular system before intervention and follow-up after treatment.
CT scan of the carotid system with contrast injection should not be performed if the patient has a contraindication to contrast. Relative contraindications in cases where the examination area has a lot of metal causing interference or the patient is pregnant.

3. The procedure of computerized tomography of the carotid artery system with contrast injection

3.1 Preparation

The team performing computed tomography of the carotid artery system with contrast injection consists of a radiologist and an electro-optical technician.
About required facilities: Multi-slice computed tomography machine with 4 rows or more, film and image storage system. In addition, drugs and medical supplies are needed, including: Syringes, needles, contrast agent, antiseptic solution, gloves, cotton, bandages, alcohol gauze, emergency medicine box for contrast agent accidents, ..
About the patient, the medical staff will explain to the patient the procedure and purpose of the procedure so that the patient can cooperate with the doctor. The patient will be explained about the risk of complications and will sign a commitment to carry out the procedure. Patients need to remove jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, hairpins, ... if any. Do not eat or drink for at least 4 hours before the procedure. If the patient is too excited, cannot lie still, the doctor will prescribe a sedative.

3.2. Steps to conduct a CT scan of the carotid artery with contrast injection

The patient was instructed to lie supine on the computed tomography table. The patient is pre-positioned with a large enough intravenous line. The execution team moves the photo into the camera. The patient needs to lie still during the entire scan for about 15-30 minutes. After the scan is over, the patient needs to lie down for about 30 minutes before leaving. Computerized tomography images of the carotid artery system with contrast injection will be processed by the technician and transferred to a diagnostician. The acquired images will be constructed with MIP, MPR, and VRT to reveal the pathology. Computed tomography of the carotid artery system with contrast injection is satisfactory when it is clear, complete and accurate that the carotid-vertebral system can be seen on the reconstructed images.

4. How to handle during computerized tomography of the carotid system with contrast injection

● If the patient is scared or agitated: Medical staff encourage and comfort the patient
● If the patient is worried or scared: The doctor can prescribe a sedative.
● If the patient has an accident due to contrast agent: The team performs the procedure of diagnosis and treatment of contrast agent.
Vinmec International General Hospital is equipped with many modern CT scanners such as 512 ranges, 640 ranges, two-energy CT... modern, providing clear images in the body with high accuracy, significantly reduces image noise caused by motion, so patients can save a lot of time on their examination. They have the potential to help doctors eliminate the need for follow-up tests, while also helping patients shorten hospital stays. In addition, this technology also integrates a shield to regulate radiation exposure. At the same time, it also prevents unnecessary radiation doses before and after the procedure.
Doctor Duc has nearly 17 years of experience in diagnostic imaging at Hanoi E hospital. Currently, the doctor is working at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
Any questions that need to be answered by a specialist doctor as well as customers wishing to be examined and treated at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online HERE.

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