CT Neck Angio

• Quick 10-minute scan
• Non-invasive vessel imaging
• Same-day reporting at Bangalore centres

Definition and technology

CT NECK ANGIO combines a high-speed CT scanner with an iodine-based contrast dye. Within seconds, the dye lights up blood vessels while X-ray slices create a 360° digital map.

How CT + contrast creates 3D vessel maps

1. Contrast enters bloodstream via IV.
2. Scanner captures 200+ slices while dye peaks in arteries.
3. Software reconstructs 3D model rotated on screen—stenosis, aneurysm or dissection visible at a click.

Difference from regular CT and MRA

• Regular CT shows bone and soft tissue; no vessels highlighted.
• MRA uses MRI magnets, takes 30-45 min, costs more, unsuitable for claustrophobic patients.
• CT NECK ANGIO is faster, cheaper, equally accurate for most arterial diseases.

Single-phase CTA

One contrast bolus, standard images. Suitable for most stroke checks.

Dual-phase/4D CTA

Two acquisitions, shows arterial and venous sides; used for complex AVMs.

CT venogram add-on

Delays scan to catch veins; rules out cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

• Artery lumen diameter
• Stenosis percentage
• Plaque characterisation (soft vs calcified)
• Collateral circulation
• Aneurysm neck & dome size

• Confirm brain aneurysm before it bleeds.
• Detect carotid blockage causing mini-strokes.
• Evaluate vertebral artery injury after trauma.
• Plan neuro-intervention—coiling, stenting or clot retrieval.

• Stroke or mini-stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, slurred speech).
• Dizziness & sudden severe headache (“worst ever”).
• Pre-surgery vessel mapping before bypass or tumour removal.
• Follow-up after stenting or clipping to check device position.

• 10-min procedure
• No hospital stay
• High-resolution 3D images
• Guides immediate treatment—clot-busting drugs or surgery

• Ischemic & haemorrhagic stroke
• Carotid stenosis
• Vertebral dissection
• AV malformations
• Brain tumours involving vessels

• 4 hrs fasting—empty stomach lowers contrast nausea risk.
• Remove metallic hair accessories, earrings, dental implants if removable.
• Inform about kidney function—bring latest creatinine.
• Allergy history declaration—shellfish, previous iodine reactions.

• Recent creatinine report (within 4 weeks).
• Doctor’s prescription with clinical question.
• Previous imaging CDs—comparison helps detect subtle changes.

• Emergency: immediately—door-to-scan within 30 min.
• Elective: morning slots to avoid contrast delays if extra tests needed.

• Adults & children > 14 yrs or > 40 kg.
• Pregnancy restrictions—radiation risk; test postponed unless life-threatening.
• eGFR > 45 for contrast safety; lower numbers need Nephrology clearance.

1. IV line in arm—20-gauge cannula.
2. Lie on table, head in cradle—keeps still.
3. Contrast injection & 10-sec scan—automated voice instructions.
4. Post-scan 15-min observation—nursing team checks for delayed reactions.

• Nursing mothers pump-and-discard 24 hrs; contrast negligible in milk, but advised.
• Diabetic metformin hold—stop morning dose, restart after 48 hrs post-scan.
• Carry signed consent—explains radiation & contrast; countersign by radiologist.

• Radiation exposure equal to ~1-year natural background; justified in emergencies.
• Iodinated contrast concerns—rare allergy, possible kidney strain.
• Limited in very calcified arteries; dense calcium can hide true lumen.