A contrast-enhanced scan of the abdominal aorta and its branches: the coeliac trunk and the renal, splenic, and superior and inferior mesenteric arteries. It assesses the location, size and extent of aneurysms, narrowing and other vascular changes.
- Duration20–30 minutes
- Contrastalways
- Preparationplease call to check
- Report30 min – 1 hour
What it shows
- Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and its branches, including the splenic artery
- Aortic dissection
- Atherosclerosis and narrowing of the aorta and its branches, including at the origins of the renal arteries
- Vessel thrombosis
- External compression of vessels and invasion by abdominal tumours
- Inflammation and injury of the vessels
- Congenital vascular anomalies
When it is recommended
- Suspected aneurysm of the abdominal aorta or its branches, planning treatment
- Suspected aortic dissection
- Abdominal pain or digestive problems that may have a vascular cause
- Suspected thrombosis or narrowing of the renal or mesenteric arteries
- Abdominal tumours, to assess their relation to the vessels
- Injury with possible vessel damage
- Planning surgery on the vessels and abdominal organs
Preparation
- Please call us to check the preparation, including how many hours to fast beforehand.
Good to know
- CT can be performed in patients who have metal clips on vessels after surgery.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.