A Coronary CTA is a radiological test that is used to create detailed three dimensional images of the blood vessels in your heart, coronary arteries, heart chambers, coronary arteries and pulmonary veins. Patients who are at risk of having blockages in the arteries can benefit from a CCTA scan, such as those with a family history of heart disease. A CCTA is faster, less invasive and lower risk than an invasive catheterization.
Calcium Scoring allows us to view your coronary arteries and help identify the location and extent of calcified plaque. A buildup can signal the presence of atherosclerosis, also called coronary artery disease (CAD). This disease can narrow arteries, reduce blood flow to the heart, and lead to an increased risk for heart attack.
More than a million Americans have a heart attack each year. Nearly half of them are fatal. Over half the people who die from a heart attack have no symptoms. This scan is designed for people with undiagnosed heart disease. It can show whether you’re at risk, before symptoms even occur.
This test uses a special type of imaging test called a computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart. This scan produces multiple pictures to check if calcium is present
Calcium scoring scans take about 5 minutes and are painless. Electrodes will be attached to your chest and to an electrocardiograph machine that will record your heart’s electrical activity.
You will lie on a table that is attached to the CT unit. The table will move through the machine as you’re being scanned. You may be asked to hold your breath while images are recorded. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
No preparation is needed. Wear comfortable clothes and take your normal medications. Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist is there is any chance of pregnancy.
Learn about Different Types of CT Exams
Coronary CT Angiography
Cardiac Calcium Scoring
A calcium scoring is a non-invasive way to view your coronary arteries and it helps identify the location and extent of calcified plaque. Plaque can narrow arteries, reduce blood flow to the heart and increase the risk of a heart attack. A Calcium Scoring is usually performed during a CCTA exam.
Neurological CT
CT scans of the brain and spine can provide more detailed information about tissue and structures than standard X-rays of the head, and provide more information related to injuries and diseases of the brain and spine. CT scans are not used as often as MRI scans when looking at brain or spinal cord tumors, but they can be useful in some cases. CT scans show greater detail of the bone structures near the tumor.
Body CT
CT of the abdomen and pelvis is a diagnostic imaging test used to help detect diseases of the small bowel, colon, and other internal organs and is often used to determine the cause of unexplained pain. CT shows bones, organs, and soft tissues more clearly than standard X-rays. CT scans are often used to show a tumor’s shape, size, and location. They can even show the blood vessels that feed the tumor, without having to go through an invasive surgical procedure.
CT Enterography
CT enterography is a specialized imaging test that lets us see detailed pictures of your small intestine and other structures in the abdomen and pelvis. It can pinpoint inflammation, bleeding, and other problems. MR Enterography is often recommended for patients with Crohn's disease to determine its location, severity and unexpected complications, in order to guide effective treatment.
Musculoskeletal CT
CT provides unmatched detail for viewing disorders of the bones, joints, and soft tissues. It allows our musculoskeletal imaging experts to diagnose not only athletic injuries, but also a wide range of disorders.
