Specialised Vascular CT Imaging

Vascular imaging is used to examine the blood vessels within the body. CT angiography (CTA) provides detailed imaging of the arteries, while CT venography (CTV) is used to assess the veins.

At MBR Health, our specialised vascular CT protocol combines angiographic and venographic imaging, allowing both the arterial and venous systems to be assessed across multiple anatomical regions within a single, anatomically contiguous acquisition.

Using always-on Spectral CT together with specialised contrast timing, extensive vascular information can be obtained across the brain, neck, chest and upper abdomen while reducing the number of separate CT acquisitions. Fewer acquisitions can significantly reduce radiation exposure (75% or more) when compared with performing multiple separate traditional CT phases.

This specific multi-region Spectral CT protocol is currently available exclusively at MBR Health in Australia.

Vascular compression syndromes occur when a blood vessel is compressed by surrounding anatomical structures, potentially affecting blood flow through an artery or vein. Compression can occur in different areas of the body and may involve vessels within the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.

Examples of vascular and related anatomical compression syndromes include:

• Nutcracker syndrome – compression of the left renal vein.
• May-Thurner syndrome – compression of the left common iliac vein.
• Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) – compression of the coeliac artery by the median arcuate ligament.
• Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome – compression of the subclavian artery or vein within the thoracic outlet.
• Jugular venous compression – narrowing or compression of the internal jugular vein by surrounding anatomical structures.
• Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome – compression of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta. Unlike the other examples, this is primarily gastrointestinal rather than vascular compression.

Not all vascular or anatomical compression syndromes are best evaluated with CT. Depending on the suspected condition and clinical question, ultrasound, MRI or other specialised imaging may be more appropriate or may be used alongside CT.

Importantly, anatomical compression seen on imaging does not necessarily mean it is causing symptoms or represents a clinically significant syndrome. Imaging findings must be considered alongside symptoms, clinical assessment and other investigations by the treating doctor.

Some people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or POTS may be referred by their treating doctor for specialised vascular imaging when detailed assessment of vascular anatomy or potential areas of anatomical compression is clinically relevant.

At MBR Health, this examination is performed using an internally developed protocol, a specialised multi-region imaging protocol covering the brain, neck, chest and upper abdomen, and additional regions requested by the referring Doctor. The protocol has been developed specifically for our Spectral CT technology, using Spectral data and carefully coordinated contrast timing to obtain extensive vascular and anatomical information in a single anatomically contiguous acquisition.

Our innovative approach to reducing the number of acquisitions means that we can obtain more information for up to 75% less radiation compared to the same scan acquired on conventional CT scanners elsewhere.

Our unique vascular imaging is not a validated diagnostic test for EDS, POTS or vascular compression syndromes. However, our novel imaging provides additional anatomical and vascular information for the treating doctor, who determines the clinical significance of any findings alongside the patient’s symptoms, examination and other investigations.

Spectral CT provides conventional anatomical CT images together with additional information about how different tissues and materials interact with X-rays at different energy levels.

For vascular imaging, Spectral data can help assess iodinated contrast within blood vessels, improve visualisation of contrast-enhanced vascular structures and provide additional quantitative information that complements conventional CT images.

At MBR Health, Spectral technology is always on. For specialised multi-region vascular examinations, this additional information can be combined with carefully timed contrast protocols to obtain extensive vascular and anatomical information while minimising the number of CT acquisitions required.

Reducing the number of acquisitions is particularly important when imaging multiple anatomical regions, as each additional acquisition contributes to the patient’s cumulative radiation exposure.

When you arrive at MBR Health, our team will review your referral and relevant clinical information and explain the examination before your scan begins.

A small cannula will be placed into a vein so intravenous (IV) contrast can be administered during the scan. You will then lie on the CT table while our team positions you for imaging.

Our specialised vascular CT examination uses carefully coordinated contrast timing to acquire angiographic and venographic information across the brain, neck, chest and upper abdomen in a single scan. You may be asked to remain still and briefly hold your breath during parts of the examination.

When IV contrast is administered, it is common to experience a temporary warm sensation or metallic taste. These sensations usually pass quickly.

The CT image acquisition itself is fast, most are finished within 5 – 10 minutes, although your overall appointment will take longer to allow for preparation, positioning and contrast administration.

After your scan, your images and Spectral CT data are reviewed by a radiologist. Reports are typically available within 2–3 business days, with clinically urgent examinations prioritised.

If your results are required sooner, MBR Health also offers a Fast Track reporting option for patients requiring their report within 24 hours.

Once your report is released, it is sent to your referring practitioner and is also available through the MBR Health patient portal at the same time, with no additional delay for patient access.

Your imaging findings form part of your broader clinical assessment, with diagnosis, clinical interpretation and treatment decisions made by your treating doctor.

Yes. This specialised vascular CT examination requires intravenous (IV) iodinated contrast to visualise the arteries and veins and assess vascular anatomy across the regions being examined.

A small cannula is placed into a vein before the scan. The contrast is then administered at carefully coordinated times during the examination to obtain angiographic and venographic information across the brain, neck, chest and upper abdomen.

Before your examination, please tell our team if you have reduced kidney function, thyroid problems or have previously experienced a reaction to iodinated contrast. This allows our team to determine whether any additional precautions are required before your scan.

If you have mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), please let MBR Health know before your examination. Having MCAS does not automatically mean that you cannot receive iodinated IV contrast, but your individual history should be reviewed before the scan.

It is particularly important to tell our team if you have previously experienced a reaction to CT contrast, have a history of severe allergic reactions or have been advised by your treating doctor to take specific precautions before receiving contrast.

Our clinical team will review this information and determine whether the examination can proceed as planned or whether additional precautions or an alternative approach should be considered.

This specialised vascular CT examination is bulk billed at MBR Health for eligible Medicare cardholders with a valid referral, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for the diagnostic examination for eligible patients.

An optional 3D imaging work-up is available for an additional fee. The 3D render creates visual representations of the vascular anatomy that can make areas of anatomical narrowing or compression easier to visualise, particularly for patients and treating practitioners who are not radiology-trained. The additional work-up is a supplementary visualisation service and is not required for the radiologist’s diagnostic assessment or report. If you would like the optional 3D work-up, our team can provide information about the additional cost before your examination.

MBR Healths’s Spectral CT vascular scan does not diagnose POTS or EDS directly, but it may be a valuable part of the broader investigation when an associated vascular or anatomical compression is suspected.

The examination can identify areas of vascular narrowing or compression that may be relevant to a patient’s symptoms. Any findings are interpreted alongside the patient’s clinical history and other investigations by their treating doctor.

Yes. You will generally need a valid referral from a healthcare practitioner for a Brain CT scan at MBR Health.

Your referral provides important clinical information that helps our radiologists determine the appropriate CT protocol for your examination. A valid referral is also required for your scan to be eligible for a Medicare rebate or bulk billing where applicable.

If you already have a referral addressed to another radiology provider, you can still choose to have your Brain CT scan performed at MBR Health.

Specialised multi-region vascular CT imaging is available at MBR Health in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast. Our Spectral CT approach is able to image both the arteries (angiography) and veins (venography) of the whole body in a single anatomically contiguous scan.

Obtaining this breadth of vascular information using conventional CT may require multiple separate acquisitions, significantly increasing cumulative radiation exposure. MBR Health combines always-on Spectral CT with specialised contrast protocol to obtain extensive arterial, venous and anatomical information while minimising the number of acquisitions required.

Yes. A valid referral from your GP or specialist is required for this specialised vascular CT examination at MBR Health. However, your referral does not need to be addressed to MBR Health (or Mermaid Beach Radiology). If you already have a valid imaging referral naming another radiology provider, you can choose to bring it to MBR Health.

If you have a complex medical history involving POTS, EDS, MCAS and/or a suspected vascular compression syndrome and are having difficulty obtaining an appropriate referral, please contact our team.