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Trauma CTA Chest with PV CT AP

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    CTA Chest Arterial (bolus tracked) Lung apices to Diaphragm
    Portal Venous AP Contrast (70 sec from start delay) Diaphragm to Pubic symphysis
    • Blunt thoracic trauma
    • Aortic injury
    • Great vessel injury
    • Multi-trauma

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine with arms raised
    • NPO Status: None - trauma

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Omnipaque 350
    Volume 125 mL
    Flow Rate 4 mL/s
    Timing Method Dual phase: CTA Chest arterial + Portal venous AP
    ROI Placement Descending aorta
    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

    • TWO acquisitions: 1) CTA CHEST arterial (bolus track) 2) Portal venous ABDOMEN/PELVIS 70s. Chest arterial for aorta/vessels
    • Additional Recons: 3D aorta and great vessels. Curved MPR aorta. Grade aortic injury
    • Large bore IV 18-20G. Verify flow

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: eGFR > 30 if known
    • Allergy: Trauma indication
    • Chest arterial: aortic injury (intimal flap pseudoaneurysm). AP portal venous: solid organ injury
    • Trauma indication. Fast scan. Good IV essential
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Lung apices Pubic symphysis N/A N/A AP full
CTA Chest Lung apices Diaphragm Bolus tracked 0.625 mm Arterial phase
Portal Venous AP Diaphragm Pubic symphysis 70 sec from start 0.625 mm Portal venous phase
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial CTA chest Chest 1.25 mm/1.25 mm Vascular 3 Aorta and great vessels
Axial PV AP Abdomen/Pelvis 2.5 mm/2.5 mm Standard 3 Solid organs
Coronal CTA chest Chest 2 mm/2 mm Vascular 3 Aorta overview
Sagittal CTA chest Aorta 2 mm/2 mm Vascular 3 Sagittal aorta