Self Test - Week 3 - Chest vascular CTA

What is an indication for a CTA Chest?

aortic aneurysm, chest trauma, sudden chest pain

What does the MRT need to be attentive to during data acquisition of a CTA Chest?

pathology extending beyond the thoracic aorta

What is a benefit of using cardiac gated techniques when imaging CTA chest?

reduce motion artifacts

Which reconstruction is required for CTA Chest to demonstrate the entire aorta in one plane?

sagittal oblique

What factors contribute to the complexity of CT PE?

fast bolus arrival, short peak enhancement and breathhold complications (TIC)

What is meant by: transient interruption of contrast (TIC) during a PE scan?

deep breath hold increases IVC return to the heart interrupting contrast bolus

What does an elevated D-Dimer test indicate?

hypercoagulopathy (presence of thrombosis)

What is the preferred method for bolus monitoring for CT PE?

test bolus at the pulmonary artery

What anatomical structure is used to locate the level of the pulmonary artery on an AP Scout image?

Carina

What are the patient's breathing instructions for CT PE?

Take a small breath in and hold it.

What can the technologist do to reduce motion artifact when the CT PE patient is very short of breath?

scan in the caudal-cranial direction

What is a sign of PE on a routine PA Chest x-ray?

Fleischner sign

What is the typical appearance of small peripheral pulmonary emboli?

low density filling defects, often surrounded by a halo of contrast

What medications are routinely used to perform Cardiac CTA?

betablocker and nitrogylcerin

What is the benefit of performing screening Cardiac CTA?

early detection and management of coronary artery disease

Why is it necessary to have a low heartrate for Cardiac CTA?

To allow time for the whole heart to be imaged during a single diastolic period