CT Angiography Left Upper Limb
Understanding CT Angiography Left Upper Limb
What is CT Angiography Left Upper Limb?
CT Angiography Left Upper Limb is a fast and robust imaging technique to assess the blood vessel related abnormalities in patients with thromboembolism, atherosclerosis, aortic dissection, vasculitis, aneurysm, occlusion, stenosis, and other conditions affecting the vessels with proximity to the wrist. CT angiography of the left upper limb is also used to detect fibromuscular dysplasia, Raynaud syndrome, Buerger disease, and other cerebrovascular diseases.
A contrast media (usually iodine solution) is injected intravenously before or during the procedure to highlight vascular abnormalities. This imaging is done in a hospital setting under the direct supervision of an interventional radiologist/cardiovascular specialist or vascular surgeon. Usually, 4-6 hours of fasting is required before the procedure, along with blood urea and creatinine reports. You should inform your doctor if you are allergic to iodine.
What is CT Angiography Left Upper Limb used for?
- To diagnose narrowed blood vessel or blocked arteries of the wrist, arm, upper arm, shoulder and injured blood vessels of the hand
- To detect any peripheral artery disease (PAD) which results in narrowed or blockage in the peripheral arteries of your leg (claudication)
- To find out takayasu’s disease (aorta inflammation which carries blood from the heart to the remaining body) and buerger’s disease (rare problem of swollen arm or leg arteries / vein which leads to clot)
- To evaluate atherosclerosis (depositions of fats or cholesterol in the artery walls) and vasculitis (swollen artery which results in decreased blood flow)