- Strengths
- Evaluate for aortic injury, aneurysm or suspected acute dissection. Will require IV contrast. There are non-contrast options with MRA
- Limitations
- requires iodinated contrast. Patients may be allergic or have renal insufficiency.
- Contraindications
- 1) Allergy to contrast, but we will premedicate patient as necessary; 2) IV contrast will be dose-adjusted dependent upon creatinine clearance.
- CPT Code
- 71275 (chest); 74175 (abdomen).
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- CTA chest and abdomen
- Patient Preparation
- NPO 4 hours, but can take meds with small sip of water.
