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CTA Chest Abdomen Pelvis

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Non-contrast Non-contrast Thoracic inlet to Pubic symphysis
    CTA Arterial Arterial (bolus tracked) Thoracic inlet to Pubic symphysis
    Stent Delay (optional) Delayed (40 sec delay) 1cm above and below stent
    Vasculitis Delayed (optional) Delayed (90 sec delay) Thoracic inlet to Pubic symphysis
    • Aortic aneurysm
    • Vasculitis
    • Trauma pan-scan

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine with arms raised above head
    • NPO Status: NPO 2-4 hours

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Isovue 370
    Volume 1.1 mL/kg
    Flow Rate 4 mL/s
    Duration 20s
    Timing Method Bolus Tracking
    ROI Placement Descending thoracic 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

    • Single acquisition from thoracic inlet to pubic symphysis. Caudocranial direction. Bolus track in descending aorta
    • Additional Recons: 3D VR and curved MPR of entire aorta
    • 20G IV minimum. Antecubital or proximal forearm preferred

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: Verify eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: Check allergy history
    • Assess entire aorta for dissection/aneurysm. Measure aortic dimensions. Check branch vessels
    • Arms completely raised. ECG monitoring if known dissection
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout/Topogram Thoracic inlet Pubic symphysis N/A N/A AP and lateral
CTA Arterial Thoracic inlet Pubic symphysis Bolus tracked 0.625 mm Caudocranial from feet to head
Stent Delay (optional) Top of Stent Bottom of Stent 40 sec 0.625 mm Stent coverage
Vasculitis Delayed (optional) Thoracic inlet Pubic symphysis 90 sec 0.625 mm Wall enhancement/thickening
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Arterial Chest 2 mm/2 mm Vascular 3 Thoracic aorta evaluation
Axial Arterial Abdomen/Pelvis 2.5 mm/2.5 mm Vascular 3 Abdominal aorta and branches
Coronal Arterial Full CAP 3 mm/3 mm Vascular 3 MIP full aorta overview
Sagittal Arterial Full CAP 3 mm/3 mm Vascular 3 Sagittal MIP and curved MPR of aorta