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Gated CTA Heart Left Atrial Mapping

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Flash CTA Arterial Carina to Below Heart
    Delayed Delayed (30s) Carina to Mid Heart
    • Pre-ablation planning
    • Atrial fibrillation
    • Pulmonary vein anatomy

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine feet-first
    • NPO Status: NPO 2-4 hours
    • Pre-Medication:
      • HR < 65 preferred. Premedication not required.

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Isovue 370
    Volume 1.1 mL/kg
    Flow Rate 5 mL/s
    Duration 15 sec
    Timing Method Bolus Tracking
    ROI Placement Left Atrium
    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 gating. Focus on left atrium and pulmonary veins. Thin slices critical. Extended coverage for all PV ostia
    • Additional Recons: 3D LA reconstruction. PV ostia measurements (diameter area). LAA morphology. Esophageal position
    • 20G IV

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: Verify eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: Check allergy history
    • Map pulmonary vein anatomy (number ostia diameters). Left atrial appendage morphology. Esophageal position. LA size
    • Thin slices essential. Complete PV coverage. Document variants
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Top of chest Below heart N/A N/A AP lateral
Gated CTA Pulmonary veins Below LA Bolus tracked 0.5 mm Retrospective - thin slices critical
Delayed CTA Pulmonary veins Below LA 40s 0.5 mm Retrospective - thin slices critical
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Gated CTA LA/PV 0.5 mm/0.5 mm Cardiac 3 Primary PV anatomy
Coronal Gated CTA LA/PV 0.75 mm Cardiac 3 PV ostia en face
Sagittal Gated CTA LA/PV 0.75 mm Cardiac 3 Lateral PV views
Axial Delayed CTA LA/PV 0.5 mm/0.5 mm Cardiac 3 Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus