CT Angiography: Brain, Neck, Aorta and Peripheral Arteries

CT angiography uses iodine contrast and rapid CT imaging to assess arteries throughout the body.

What is CT angiography?

CT angiography, or CTA, times the CT scan to the passage of intravenous iodine contrast through the blood vessels. The resulting images can show the vessel lumen, wall, branches and surrounding structures.

What areas can be examined?

Brain and neck arteries for aneurysm, narrowing, dissection or vascular malformation.
The aorta for aneurysm, dissection, injury or pre-operative planning.
Renal and abdominal arteries for narrowing, aneurysm or organ blood supply.
Pelvic and leg arteries for peripheral arterial disease, blockage and treatment planning.
Other targeted arteries according to the referral question.

Before and during the scan

You will need a specialist referral to obtain a medicare rebate. Please fast for 2 hours prior to your scan and tell the clinic about kidney disease, contrast reactions, diabetes medication, thyroid disease and pregnancy. A cannula is placed in a vein. During the scan you may be asked to hold your breath and remain very still while contrast is injected.

What can limit the examination?

Severe calcification, metal, movement, timing problems or very slow blood flow can make vessels harder to assess. A CTA protocol is designed for a particular vascular territory and does not automatically provide a complete assessment of every artery or vein.

Why another test may be needed

Ultrasound can assess blood flow dynamically and without radiation. MR angiography may be useful when MRI is appropriate. Catheter angiography is invasive but can provide pressure information and allow treatment during the same procedure. These tests are complementary rather than interchangeable.

Results and urgent symptoms

The report may describe narrowing, blockage, aneurysm, dissection, plaque, collateral vessels or post-treatment change. Sudden weakness, speech disturbance, severe chest or back pain, a cold painful limb or other acute vascular symptoms require emergency assessment, not routine outpatient imaging.

Related Patient Guides

PG2001 – CT Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment
PG2002 – What Is Spectral CT? A Simple Patient Guide
PG2003 – Spectral CT in Cancer Imaging: What Patients Should Know
PG2004 – CT Contrast: Iodine Contrast Explained
PG2005 – Radiation Dose in CT: Understanding Risk, Benefit and Context
PG2006 – Low-Dose CT Lung Screening: Preparation, Results and Follow-Up
PG2007 – Coronary Artery Calcium Score: What the Test Can and Cannot Show
PG2008 – CT Coronary Angiography: How to Prepare and What to Expect
PG2010 – Dental and Cone Beam CT: What to Expect

We have more detailed information on many interesting regenerative and radiological topics on our Insights page

Frequently Asked Questions

For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page

Is CTA the same as a catheter angiogram?

No. CTA uses a contrast injection through an arm vein and CT imaging. Catheter angiography places a catheter directly into an artery and can also be used for treatment.

Can CTA show veins as well as arteries?

CT can assess veins, but venous imaging requires different contrast timing and a specifically requested protocol.

Can I drive after CTA?

Most patients can drive after a routine CTA, but medication, an adverse reaction or clinic-specific instructions may change this.

Important:CTA must be tailored to the suspected vascular problem. A generic scan cannot answer every arterial and venous question.

PATIENT GUIDE • PG-2009 [Patient information: CT angiography uses iodine contrast and rapid CT imaging to assess arteries throughout the body.]

For further reading on CT Scans please see below:

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Spectral CT can assist with cancer detection, characterisation, staging and surveillance, although confident diagnosis may also require MRI, ultrasound, PET/CT, endoscopy or biopsy depending on the disease.

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