A contrast-enhanced scan of the thoracic aorta, the pulmonary artery and their branches with 3D reconstruction. It is the main method for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, aneurysms and aortic dissection.
- Duration20–30 minutes
- Contrastalways
- Preparationplease call to check
- Report30 min – 1 hour
What it shows
- Pulmonary embolism
- Aneurysms and dissection of the aorta or pulmonary artery
- Atherosclerosis of the aorta
- Congenital defects: coarctation of the aorta, narrowing of the aorta or pulmonary artery, patent ductus arteriosus
- Inflammation and injury of the vessel wall
- Invasion of vessels by mediastinal tumours
- Incidental changes in the chest organs within the scan area
When it is recommended
- Suspected pulmonary embolism
- Suspected aortic aneurysm or dissection
- Congenital heart and great vessel defects
- Atherosclerosis of the aorta
- Mediastinal tumours, to assess their relation to the vessels
- Complex cases that need precise assessment of the vessels
Preparation
- Please call us to check the preparation, including how many hours to fast beforehand.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.