Computed tomography angiography with intravenous injection of an iodinated contrast agent
CT Angiography in Casablanca
CT angiography is a CT scan dedicated to the blood vessels. An iodinated contrast agent, injected into a vein in the arm, makes the arteries clearly visible at the precise moment it passes through them. Depending on the prescription, the exam covers the arteries of the brain, the supra-aortic trunks (large arteries of the neck), the thoracic aorta, the arteries of the abdomen and pelvis, or those of the legs. It helps detect a narrowing, a widening or a blockage of a vessel.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
CT angiography usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, of which the acquisition lasts only a few seconds.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Revolution
When is this exam needed?
- Suspected narrowing of a carotid or vertebral artery, for example after a stroke.
- Search for or monitoring of an aneurysm (widening of an artery), in the brain or the aorta.
- Suspected pulmonary embolism (clot in an artery of the lung) or aortic dissection.
- Calf pain when walking suggesting peripheral artery disease of the legs.
- Examination of the arteries of the kidneys or digestive tract, depending on the clinical situation.
- Assessment before vascular surgery, or check of a stent or bypass graft.
How the exam is done
The radiographer first checks your medical history (allergy, kidneys, medication), then places a small catheter in a vein at the bend of the elbow, connected to an automatic injector. You lie on your back, with your head supported for the brain and neck, and your arms above your head for the chest and abdomen.
After positioning images, the iodinated contrast agent is injected quickly and the machine starts the acquisition when it reaches the arteries being studied. A feeling of warmth throughout the body, a metallic taste or a false urge to urinate are common and pass quickly. You are asked to hold your breath for the chest and abdomen, and not to swallow for the neck. The catheter is removed after a short observation period.
Preparation
- Drink normally the day before and on the morning of the exam, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Let us know in advance about any past reaction to a contrast agent.
- Remove jewelry, piercings and metal objects from the area being examined.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
The iodinated contrast injection is essential for CT angiography. It is given through a vein in the arm, at a fast rate, using an automatic injector synchronized with the image acquisition.
Contraindications and precautions
- Previous reaction to an iodinated contrast agent: tell us when you book; a preparation or another exam may be offered.
- Diabetes treated with metformin, or kidney disease: please tell us. Depending on your kidney function, the radiologist will tell you whether metformin should be paused after the injection. Bring a recent creatinine test if you are asked to.
- Hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disease, to be reported before iodine is given.
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us before the exam. A CT scan uses X-rays: it is performed during pregnancy only if it is essential.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after an iodinated contrast injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the referring doctor
- Recent creatinine test
- Previous vascular exams: Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography
- Surgical report if you have a stent or bypass graft
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of CT angiography varies with the vascular area studied (brain, neck, chest, abdomen or legs) and takes into account the iodinated contrast injection, which is essential for this exam.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the feeling of warmth during the injection normal?
Yes. The fast passage of the iodinated contrast agent very often causes a feeling of warmth in the throat or lower abdomen, sometimes the impression of having urinated. It disappears within a few seconds and is not a sign of allergy. However, report any itching, difficulty breathing or feeling unwell.
What is the difference from an arteriography?
Conventional arteriography requires puncturing an artery, often in the groin, to pass a catheter up into it. CT angiography only needs an injection into a vein in the arm, without hospitalization. Arteriography remains useful when a treatment procedure must be performed at the same time.
Is the X-ray dose the same for all body areas?
No. A CT angiography of the legs covers a large length of the body, while a brain CT angiography is limited to the head. In each case, the settings are adjusted to your body build and to the medical question, to keep exposure to what is strictly necessary.
What should I do after CT angiography?
You resume your usual activities and diet. Drink a little more water during the day to help your kidneys eliminate the contrast agent. If pain or swelling appears in your arm, or a skin rash in the following days, contact the center or your doctor.
CT Angiography in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of CT angiography varies with the vascular area studied (brain, neck, chest, abdomen or legs) and takes into account the iodinated contrast injection, which is essential for this exam. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.