Skip to content

Gated CTA Chest

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Non-contrast Non-contrast Lung Apices to Diaphragm
    Gated CTA Arterial (bolus tracked) Lung Apices to Diaphragm
    Stent delay (optional) Contrast (40 sec delay) Stent coverage
    • Thoracic aortic dissection
    • Chest pain radiating to the back
    • Follow up thoracic aortic aneurysm

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine feet-first
    • NPO Status: NPO 2-4 hours
    • Pre-Medication:
      • HR < 60 target. Premedication not required.

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Isovue 370
    Volume 1.1 mL/kg
    Flow Rate 4-5 mL/s
    Duration 20s
    Timing Method Bolus Tracking
    ROI Placement Ascending aorta
    Trigger (HU) 200 HU

    Use full dose if GFR > 30

    If GFR < 30

    Max Contrast = \(2*\left[\frac{\text{Patient Weight}}{75 \text{ kg}} * \text{eGFR}\right]\)

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Retrospective ECG gating. Cover heart. Bolus tracking in ascending aorta. Optional stent protocol: add 40 sec delayed phase
    • Additional Recons: Curved MPR all coronaries. Short/long axis. Multi-phase for function. Calcium score
    • 20G IV minimum. HR control critical. Nitro administration. Monitor BP

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: Verify eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: Check metoprolol contraindications
    • Assess coronaries for stenosis plaque. Evaluate anomalous anatomy. Stent patency if applicable. Cardiac function from multi-phase
    • HR control essential. Coach breathing. Gating quality check
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Top of chest Diaphragm N/A N/A AP lateral
Non-contrast Lung apices Diaphragm N/A 3 mm Calcium score
Gated CTA Lung apices Diaphragm Bolus tracked 0.5-0.625 mm Retrospective ECG gating
Stent delay (optional) Start of Stent End of Stent 40 sec 0.5-0.625 mm Optional for stent assessment
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Gated CTA Heart 0.75 mm/0.5 mm Cardiac 3 Primary coronary assessment
Curved MPR Gated CTA Each coronary 0.75 mm Cardiac 3 Vessel-specific reconstructions
Axial Non-contrast Heart 3 mm/3 mm Standard 3 Calcium scoring
Short/long axis Gated CTA Heart Multi-phase Cardiac 3 Functional assessment