Computed Tomography Angiogram (CT Angiogram)
Why It Is Done
A CT angiogram is done to look for:
- A narrowing (stenosis) or blockage in the coronary arteries. This can occur when there is a buildup of fat (Reference cholesterol Opens New Window) and calcium in the arteries. This buildup is called plaque.
- Heart problems, such as Reference pericarditis Opens New Window (a buildup of fluid around the heart) and damage or injury to the heart valves.
- A bulge (aneurysm) or tear (Reference dissection Opens New Window) in the Reference aorta Opens New Window, which is a large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
- A blood clot in the lungs (Reference pulmonary embolism Opens New Window).
- A narrowing of the veins in the leg (Reference peripheral arterial disease Opens New Window).
- An abnormal pattern of blood vessels that may be a sign of a tumor.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 13, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Reference George Philippides, MD - Cardiology |
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