CT angiography of the brain

CT angiography is a medical procedure in which doctors use a combination of x-rays and sophisticated computer analysis to create a detailed, 3D image of blood vessels in different parts of the body. Angiography allows for the visualization of blood vessels in the brain, neck, kidneys, abdomen, and all extremities. In order to provide the most detailed view of blood vessels, a contrast agent is used during angiography, which is injected intravenously into the patient’s body. CT angiography is used to properly detect abnormalities in the body’s blood vessels, their narrowing, blockages, blood clots, ruptured blood vessels, injuries, congenital abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, and tumors. Doctors use CT angiography for the purpose of preoperative evaluation of blood vessels, which, with more information and better surgical preparation, can perform surgery more safely.

CT angiography of the brain at the Atrijum Clinic in Sarajevo

In the Atrium Polyclinic, CT of the brain is performed on a modern CT scanner Toshiba Aquilion Prime 160 slice. CT of the lower leg on the Toshiba Aquilion 160 slice device has several advantages compared to other CT devices:

• High resolution: Toshiba Aquilion 160 slice has high image resolution.
• Scanning speed: Thanks to the large number of detectors (in this case 160 slices), scanning is faster than on devices with fewer “slices”. This reduces the risk of motion artifacts, improves image quality, and reduces patient radiation exposure.
• Low radiation dose: Advanced image processing techniques, such as iterative reconstruction and the use of low-dose protocols, reduce the radiation dose needed to obtain high-quality images.
• Accurate diagnostics: High resolution and scanning speed enable precise diagnostics.
• Patient comfort: Faster scanning reduces the time spent in the scanner, improving patient comfort and reducing anxiety.

CT angiography of the brain

CT brain angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize blood vessels in the brain using X-rays and contrast medium.
Before the actual examination begins, the patient usually lies on a movable table, and depending on the area being scanned, contrast medium is injected into their body, which helps create better images. After this procedure, the patient is inserted into the CT device, which emits a series of X-rays through the head and captures images of the blood vessels in the brain. Sensors on the other side of the CT machine record the amount of radiation passing through the brain tissues and convert it into digital images that are processed into 2D or 3D images on the computer.
CT brain angiography can be used to diagnose various conditions of blood vessels in the brain, including aneurysms, narrowing of blood vessels, bleeding, thrombosis, or embolism. It can also be used to monitor treatment progress and assess postoperative conditions.

CT brain angiography is usually faster and less invasive than traditional angiography, which involves inserting a catheter into an artery in the neck or arm. However, CT angiography may have some drawbacks, including radiation exposure and the need for contrast medium injection, which may cause allergic reactions or side effects such as nausea or dizziness. It is important that patients and doctors carefully consider all advantages and disadvantages of CT brain angiography to make informed decisions about the best diagnostic and treatment approach.

Before the actual CT angiography imaging, it is necessary to have a conversation with the doctor or engineer and check if the patient has known allergies or has had an allergic reaction to contrast medium, if taking medications such as metformin, antibiotics, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, if has diagnosed heart problems, asthma, diabetes, kidney diseases, or has undergone organ transplantation. Female patients should inform the doctor or technician if they are pregnant or if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Due to the contrast medium used during the examination, it is desirable not to intake fluids or food for several hours before imaging.