Carotid Angiogram

	Volumetric 0.5mm scan of the Carotids completed in 5.5 sec.s

Advances in spiral CT, namely a 64 slice Toshiba scanner used by Tchefuncte Cardiovascular Associates (TCA), can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the neck vessels that supply blood to the brain. These vessels are called the carotid arteries.

Your arteries are normally smooth and unobstructed on the inside, but as you age, a sticky substance called plaque can build up in the walls of your arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue. As more plaque builds up, your arteries narrow and stiffen. This process is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries; eventually, when enough plaque builds up to reduce or disturb blood flow through your carotid arteries, physicians call this problem carotid artery disease. Carotid artery disease is a serious health problem because it can cause a stroke.

Patients with a positive carotid ultrasound with low intermediate risk, or individuals with transient strokes, periods of fainting, numbness, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, or paralysis are evaluated by visualizing neck vessels, vessel walls, the thickness of each wall and the vessel lumen (bore). Strokes may be caused by arterial blockage or bleeding.

Compared to a hospital-based, invasive angiogram, which only shows luminal diameter (the inner open space or cavity of a blood vessel), the CTA visualizes the arteries from various angles identifying calcium, soft plague, and degree of blockage.

A plan of care can be developed for either medical treatment, intervention (carotid stenting) or surgery.