A contrast-enhanced scan of the carotid and vertebral arteries, the jugular veins and other neck vessels. It quickly reveals narrowing, thrombosis, aneurysms and compression of vessels, so it is also useful in emergencies.
- Duration20–30 minutes
- Contrastalways
- Preparationplease call to check
- Report2–3 hours
What it shows
- Atherosclerotic narrowing of the carotid and vertebral arteries
- Vessel thrombosis
- Aneurysms and malformations
- Abnormal looping and kinking of arteries
- Inflammation of the vessel wall (vasculitis)
- External compression of vessels, including by scar tissue
- Vessel injury
When it is recommended
- Injury to the cervical spine or neck organs with possible vessel damage
- Suspected carotid atherosclerosis
- Suspected thrombosis
- Congenital anomalies of arteries and veins
- Headache, memory or attention problems when the doctor suspects a vascular cause
- Vasculitis, including rheumatic
- Past neck injuries or surgery with scarring
Preparation
- Please call us to check the preparation, including how many hours to fast beforehand.
Good to know
- Ideally a neck vessel ultrasound is done first, but a normal ultrasound does not rule out the need for CT angiography.
- MR angiography may be chosen for routine examination without radiation or contrast; the advantage of CT is speed.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.