CT angiography of the vessels of the lower extremities

CT angiography of the vessels of the lower limbs — is a method of radiation diagnostics with intravenous contrast enhancement, which allows assessing the condition of the vessels of the legs and the blood supply of tissues. The examination helps detect narrowing, blockage, thromboses, aneurysmal changes and other blood flow disorders.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, CT angiography is performed on modern tomographs GE Revolution Maxima and SIEMENS Healthineers SOMATOM go.Up. This allows obtaining clear layered images of the vessels of the lower limbs for accurate assessment of the localization and nature of changes.

You can undergo the examination in Kyiv on the right bank — near the Dorohozhychi metro station, as well as on the left bank — in Berezniaky. Make an appointment at a time convenient for you by phone or request a callback on the website.

CT angiography allows a detailed assessment of the condition of the vessels of the legs, primarily arterial blood flow, as well as determining whether there are disorders of blood supply to the tissues.

During the examination, it is possible to detect:

• anatomical features of the vessels;
• narrowing or complete blockage;
• atherosclerotic plaques and other changes in the walls;
• thromboses and patency disorders;
• aneurysmal dilatations;
• the state of blood flow and blood supply to the tissues of the lower limbs.

CT of the vessels of the lower limbs with contrast enhancement makes it possible to assess how each artery functions, determine the localization of narrowing and the degree of its severity. This is important when symptoms may be associated with insufficient blood supply to the tissues.

If necessary, it is possible to assess indirect signs of impaired venous outflow, however, other methods are used for a detailed examination of the venous system, in particular Dopplerography of the veins of the lower limbs.

CT of the vessels of the limbs may be recommended if, according to the results of other methods, in particular ultrasound examination, there is not enough information for an accurate assessment of the condition of the arteries and veins. Such an examination is often prescribed by a vascular surgeon when it is necessary to clarify the localization of the lesion and determine further treatment tactics.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not postponing the examination if leg pain occurs while walking, is accompanied by coldness of the feet, a change in skin color or the appearance of wounds that do not heal for a long time. Such symptoms may indicate impaired blood flow and require a consultation with a phlebologist and diagnostics.

CT angiography in most cases is well tolerated, however, before the examination it is important to take into account the patient’s health condition and possible reactions to the contrast agent.

The examination is not performed in such cases:

• severe allergy to contrast agents with iodine;
• pronounced disorders of kidney function;
• pregnancy (if there are no urgent indications);
• a condition when it is difficult to lie still during scanning.

Relative contraindications are:

• bronchial asthma or tendency to allergies;
• diabetes mellitus;
• thyroid gland diseases;
• period of breastfeeding.

Since the contrast agent is excreted through the kidneys, before the procedure a blood test may be prescribed to check their function. If there are restrictions, the doctor will select a safe examination option or adjust the preparation.

Preparation for CT angiography is not complicated, but important for the safe performance of the examination with contrast enhancement and obtaining clear images.

Before the procedure, it is recommended:

• not to consume food 4–6 hours before the examination, water can be drunk in a small amount;
• as prescribed by the doctor, to take a blood test for creatinine to check kidney function (1–2 days in advance);
• to report allergy to contrast agents, kidney diseases, thyroid gland diseases or diabetes mellitus.

On the day of the examination, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing without metal elements in the examination area or remove jewelry before the procedure.

Before the start of the examination, the patient lies down on the movable table of the computed tomograph. The legs are positioned evenly to ensure the clarity of images during scanning.

A catheter is placed into a vein, through which the contrast agent is introduced. During its introduction, a series of quick images is performed, which allows visualization of the vessels of the lower limbs at the moment when the contrast passes through the bloodstream. At this moment, it is important to remain still.

After completion of the procedure, the radiologist analyzes the obtained images, assesses the condition of the arteries and veins, their patency, the presence of narrowings, thrombi or other changes. In the conclusion, the nature of the detected disorders is indicated or it is indicated that the indicators correspond to the norm. The results are given to the patient for further consultation with the doctor.

The cost of CT angiography of the vessels of the lower limbs can be found out here. At the Oxford Medical medical center, CT angiography is performed on modern tomographs GE Revolution Maxima and SIEMENS Healthineers SOMATOM go.Up, which provide high clarity and detail of images. The examination can be undergone in Kyiv on the right bank — near the Dorohozhychi metro station, as well as on the left bank — in Berezniaky. To make an appointment, call the contact center or request a callback on the website.