Why CT Upper Limb Angio Is Important
The upper limb arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the arms and hands. Any obstruction or narrowing in these vessels can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, or in severe cases, tissue damage. CT Upper Limb Angiography helps detect such abnormalities early, allowing timely treatment and prevention of complications.
This test is especially recommended for patients with:
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Suspected or confirmed peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
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Arm pain or numbness due to reduced blood flow
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Post-trauma evaluation of vascular injury
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Aneurysm or other vascular malformations
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Pre-surgical vascular mapping before reconstructive or orthopedic procedures
Benefits of CT Upper Limb Angiography
CT Upper Limb Angio offers several clinical and diagnostic advantages:
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High-resolution, 3D visualization of arteries and veins.
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Quick, painless, and minimally invasive procedure.
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Early detection of vascular diseases without surgical intervention.
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Assists in pre-operative planning and post-treatment follow-up.
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Detects even the smallest abnormalities with superior accuracy.
The accuracy and detail provided by CT angiography make it far more reliable than conventional X-rays or Doppler studies for assessing complex vascular conditions.
How the Test Is Done
During a CT Upper Limb Angio, the patient lies on a motorized CT scanner table. A contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream, usually through a vein in the arm, to make the blood vessels visible on the scan. The scanner then captures rapid cross-sectional images, which are processed to create detailed 3D reconstructions of the arteries.
The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes. Patients may feel a warm sensation when the contrast material is injected, which is completely normal. After the scan, the images are reviewed by a radiologist to identify any blockages, narrowing, or vascular abnormalities.
Patients are usually advised to stay hydrated after the test to help flush out the contrast material from the body.
Parameters and Technical Details
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Scan type: Contrast-enhanced CT angiography
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Body region: Shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand arteries
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Contrast agent: Non-ionic iodine-based contrast dye
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Scan duration: 10–20 minutes
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Imaging plane: Axial with 3D MIP reconstruction
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Output: High-resolution 3D images for diagnostic evaluation