CT Scan of Peripheral Venogram

CT angiography (CTA) uses X-rays and a special dye to create 3-D pictures of arteries and veins. Unlike traditional catheter angiograms, it needs no incision, stitches, or overnight stay. Results are ready within hours, helping your doctor decide the next move the same day.

CT angiography is:

• Non-invasive – no tube inserted into the vessel
• Quick – scan time of 5–15 minutes
• Precise – detects blockages as small as 1 mm
• Versatile – images vessels from head to toe During the scan, a contrast dye (iodine-based) is injected through a small IV line in your arm. The CT scanner then takes hundreds of pictures in seconds, and advanced software turns them into a detailed vascular map.

• Vessel diameter – narrowing or aneurysm
• Contrast flow pattern – blockages or collaterals
• Calcium score – plaque burden
• Lumen patency – blood-flow channel width
• Wall thickness – early atherosclerosis

• Evaluate peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Detect deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Plan bypass or stent placement
• Follow up after angioplasty
• Rule out aortic dissection

Common symptoms that may need a referral

• Leg pain while walking (claudication)
• Cold or numb toes
• Non-healing ulcers
• Sudden chest pain (possible pulmonary embolism)
• Stroke-like symptoms
• High blood pressure resistant to medication

People at higher risk

• Diabetics
• Smokers
• Heart-disease patients
• Those with a family history of aneurysm

• Same-day results – no week-long wait
• No hospital stay – walk in, walk out
• Guides therapy – shows exact location for stents
• Monitors progress – see if medications are working
• Peace of mind – conclusive answers quickly

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Aortic aneurysm
• Pulmonary embolism
• Carotid stenosis
• Renal artery stenosis
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

• Fast 4 hours before the scan (clear fluids allowed).
• Hydrate – drink 500 ml water unless instructed otherwise.
• Medications – take regular meds with a sip of water; stop metformin 48 h prior if kidney function is borderline.
• Clothing – wear loose, metal-free clothes.

• Recent serum creatinine report (within 4 weeks)
• Allergies list
• Pregnancy test for women of child-bearing age if uncertain
• Doctor’s referral with clinical question

• As soon as symptoms appear or within 24–48 hours of an acute event (e.g., sudden leg pain).
• Morning slots are ideal—less waiting time and better hydration status.

• Adults and adolescents >16 years
• Weight limit: up to 180 kg on our wide-bore scanner
• eGFR ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m² for contrast study
• Pediatric cases handled under specialist supervision

1. Check-in: Verify identity, allergies, and blood reports.
2. IV line: Inserted in the arm or hand.
3. Positioning: Lie on the CT table; straps keep you still.
4. Contrast injection: Warm feeling for 10–20 seconds.
5. Scan: Hold breath for 5–10 seconds; table moves automatically.
6. Observation: Rest 15 minutes post-injection for any reaction.
7. Discharge: Home with printed instructions.

• Inform staff about asthma, previous dye reactions, or thyroid issues.
• Remove jewellery, hairpins, glasses, belts.
• Avoid caffeine and smoking 2 hours before; they can affect vessel tone.
• Bring a companion if you have mobility issues.

• Radiation exposure: Equivalent to ~1–2 years of natural background; still within safe limits for most adults.
• Contrast allergy: Rare (≈1 in 1,000); inform us of previous reactions.
• Kidney stress: If kidney function (eGFR) is low, alternative tests may be advised.
• Pregnancy: Usually postponed; consult your obstetrician.