Computed Tomography Angiogram (CT Angiogram)

Aortic CT Angiogram, Brain CT Angiogram, Carotid CT Angiogram, Cerebral CT Angiogram, Coronary Artery CT Angiogram, Heart CT Angiogram, Kidney CT Angiogram, Renal CT Angiogram

What Affects the Test

You may not be able to have a CT angiogram if:

• You are pregnant. A CT angiogram isn't usually done when a woman is pregnant, because there is a chance that the baby might be harmed by the radiation.
• You have had an X-ray test that used barium contrast material (such as a barium enema) or have taken a medicine that contains bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) in the past 4 days. These substances show up on a CT angiogram and make it hard to see the picture clearly. A CT angiogram should be done before any tests that use these substances.
• You are allergic to the dye (contrast material) that is used during the test.
• You have kidney problems. The dye used during the test can cause kidney damage in people whose kidneys don't work well.
• You take metformin (such as Glucophage) to control your diabetes. The dye used during the test may cause problems if you take this medicine.
• You are obese. A person who is very overweight may not fit into a standard CT machine, or the X-ray table may not be able to support his or her weight.
• You can't lie still during the test.
• You have metal objects in your body, such as surgical clips or metal in joint replacements. These objects may prevent a clear view of the areas being examined.
• You have an implanted or externally worn medical device, such as a pacemaker, a heart defibrillator, a neurostimulator, or a drug infusion pump. These medical devices may not work well during a CT scan.

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Author:	Eileen Ellig	Last Updated: May 8, 2009
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
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