CT Pulmonary Angiogram Scan in Ahmedabad

What is a CT pulmonary angiogram?

A CT pulmonary angiogram is an advanced imaging technique that uses X-rays and a special contrast material to visualise the blood vessels in the lungs. This scan helps doctors detect blockages, pulmonary embolism (blood clots), or other issues affecting the blood flow in the lungs.

What is the purpose of a CT pulmonary angiogram?

A CT pulmonary angiogram is generally used to:

• Diagnosing pulmonary embolism: A CT pulmonary angiogram is the most commonly used way to diagnose pulmonary embolism. This scan helps visualise the blood clots in the pulmonary arteries, which can disrupt the blood flow and lead to serious complications.
• Detecting pulmonary artery conditions: This scan helps detect other conditions affecting the pulmonary arteries, including congenital defects, pulmonary hypertension, and vessel tears or injuries.
• Monitoring other conditions: Although this scan is mainly used to diagnose pulmonary embolism, it can also be used to reveal other life-threatening conditions of the heart and lungs, including lung cancer.
• Guiding lung surgery: This scan provides essential information about blood vessel flow and anatomy, which helps doctors plan or perform lung surgery, particularly when it involves the pulmonary arteries.

How is a CT pulmonary angiogram performed?

You might be asked to fast for a few hours before the scan. Firstly, you will lie on your back on an examination table that slides into the round-shaped CT scan machine. The technician will insert an IV catheter into a vein in your arm, through which the contrast material will be given. The scanner will then take pictures of the lungs while the contrast material flows through the arteries. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds as the machine takes images. The computer then combines the slices to generate detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the lungs.

What does an abnormal CT pulmonary angiogram indicate?

An abnormal CT pulmonary angiogram may indicate:

• Pulmonary embolism: This is a condition in which a blood clot, or other substances like an air bubble or fat, travels through the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery. This blockage obstructs the blood flow, which may cause serious complications.
• Narrowed blood vessels (stenosis): Narrowing of the blood vessels, also known as stenosis, reduces blood flow and causes severe complications. Atherosclerosis (where plaque builds up in the artery) is the most common cause of stenosis.
• Primary pulmonary hypertension: Also known as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, is a chronic and progressive condition characterised by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries without an identifiable cause. Although it is a rare condition, it may lead to heart failure if left untreated.
• Tumours: An abnormal CT pulmonary angiogram may indicate the presence of a tumour in the lungs or pulmonary vessels.
• Other abnormalities: This scan can also reveal incidental findings, such as lung nodules and abnormalities of the thoracic vasculature.

However, since a CT scan cannot definitively diagnose all conditions, your doctor may order further tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Fortunately, you can easily book a CT pulmonary angiogram scan in Ahmedabad because there are multiple CT pulmonary angiogram scan centres in Ahmedabad. So you don’t need to worry about its availability. The CT pulmonary angiogram scan cost in Ahmedabad may vary depending on the type of scan you opt for. Generally, CT pulmonary angiogram scan prices in Ahmedabad start from rupees 6000 only.