CTA Neck
Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:
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1. Clinical Summary
Series Phase Coverage CTA Neck Arterial (bolus tracked) Aortic arch to Skull base - Carotid stenosis
- Vertebral artery dissection
- Neck vessel assessment
- Pre-CEA planning
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2. Patient Prep
- Position: Supine head-first
- NPO Status: NPO 2 hours
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3. IV Contrast & Injection
Parameter Value Agent Omnipaque 350 Volume 90-100 mL Flow Rate 4-5 mL/s Timing Method Bolus Tracking ROI Placement Aortic arch Trigger (HU) 150 HU Use full dose if GFR > 30
If GFR < 30
Max Contrast = \(2*\left[\frac{\text{Patient Weight}}{75 \text{ kg}} * \text{eGFR}\right]\)
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4. Special Notes
- Aortic arch to skull base. Bolus tracking in arch. Submillimeter. Minimize swallowing during scan
- Additional Recons: Curved MPR both carotid bifurcations. Measure stenosis (NASCET). 3D VR. MIP
- 20G IV antecubital preferred
Safety First
- Renal Function: Verify eGFR > 30
- Allergy: Check allergy history
- Assess carotid bifurcations. Stenosis grading. Vertebral arteries. Dissection. Plaque morphology
- Minimize swallowing. Submillimeter acquisition
| Series Name | Start Location | End Location | Delay | Slice Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scout | Aortic arch | Skull base | N/A | N/A | AP lateral |
| CTA Neck | Aortic arch | Skull base | Bolus tracked | 0.625 mm | Caudocranial |
| Plane | Acquisition | FOV | Thickness/Increment | Kernel | IR Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axial | CTA | Neck | 1 mm/1 mm | Vascular | 3 | Source images |
| Coronal | CTA | Neck | 1.5 mm | Vascular | 3 | Vessel overview |
| Sagittal | CTA | Carotids | 1.5 mm | Vascular | 3 | Vertebral arteries |
| Curved MPR | CTA | Carotid bifurcations | 1 mm | Vascular | 3 | Stenosis measurement |