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CTA Head

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    NC Head (optional) Non-contrast Vertex to Foramen magnum
    CTA Head Arterial (bolus tracked) Skull base to Vertex
    • Aneurysm screening
    • Subarachnoid hemorrhage
    • Vascular malformation
    • Intracranial stenosis

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine head-first
    • NPO Status: NPO 2 hours

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Omnipaque 350
    Volume 75-100 mL
    Flow Rate 4-5 mL/s
    Timing Method Bolus Tracking
    ROI Placement Aortic arch or carotid
    Trigger (HU) 150 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

    • NC Head optional then CTA skull base to vertex. Bolus tracking. Submillimeter for 3D reconstruction
    • Additional Recons: 3D VR and MIP. Measure aneurysm if present. Assess A1 A2 dominance
    • 20G IV minimum. Good bolus essential

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: Verify eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: Check allergy history
    • Assess circle of Willis. Aneurysms. Stenosis. Vascular malformations. Anatomic variants
    • Minimize motion. Thin slices for small aneurysms
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Vertex C1 N/A N/A Lateral
NC Head (optional) Vertex Foramen magnum N/A 5 mm Baseline if SAH
CTA Head Skull base Vertex Bolus tracked 0.5-0.625 mm Submillimeter for 3D
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial CTA Head 0.75 mm/0.75 mm Brain 3 Source images
MIP CTA Circle of Willis Thick slab Brain N/A Vessel overview
3D VR CTA Intracranial vessels 0.5 mm source Brain N/A 3D angiogram
Curved MPR CTA Individual vessels 0.75 mm Brain 3 Vessel-specific views