CT Angiography

CT angiography has become phenomenal.  This has been made possible with the development of more powerful computers and helical multidetector CT equipment.  CT angiography is now replacing conventional angiography for diagnostic applications throughout the body.  Conventional angiography remains important for therapeutic interventions such as angioplasty, arterial stenting, and thrombolysis.

Carotid CTA - For screening or as a first line diagnostic approach for Carotid stenosis, Carotid Doppler is still the best method.  If a significant abnormality is identified by Doppler, CTA is useful for surgical planning.  Also, if there is an equivocal finding on Carotid Doppler or MRA, CTA can allow clarification.

Renal CTA - For the evaluation of suspected renal artery stenosis in patients with hypertension, CTA is the most accurate noninvasive technique available for patients with normal renal function.  While renal MRA exams are frequently limited by motion artifacts, these are significantly reduced or eliminated by CTA.  In patients with abnormal renal function, renal MRA (preferably on a high-field MR unit) or Captopril renal scan are available alternatives.

Aorta CTA - In patients with AAA needing treatment, CTA is invaluable for defining the anatomy in 3D for surgical treatment planning.  Ultrasonography remains the best option for AAA screening or serial follow-up of nonsurgical lesions.

Peripheral Vascular CTA  - In patients with normal renal function, CTA allows accurate and beautiful 3D assessment of peripheral vascular disease, with less artifacts than with MRA, particularly in visualization of distal vessels.

Coronary CTA - In appropriate patients, noninvasive CTA is now an available diagnostic alternative to conventional coronary angiography.

Pulmonary CTA - For the evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism, this is now the gold standard.

CT Angiography (except coronary CTA) is performed at SDI Diagnostic Imaging in South Tampa and at SDI Diagnostic Imaging in Oldsmar on our Toshiba Helical Multidetector CT units.  Coronary CTA is now available at St. Joseph's Diagnostic Center (main campus only).