- Strengths
- Standard of care for moderate to high clinical suspicion of PE; Consider VQ for low clinical suspicion or if IV contrast contraindicated; In pregnancy, CTA generally offers lower radiation dose to the fetus than VQ scan.
- Limitations
- Exam is tailored to specifically evaluate patency of pulmonary arteries and may not completely assess aorta or mediastinum due to timing of study, but will offer a general survey of them as well as the remainder of the chest.
- 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
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- CTA chest for PE with IV contrast
- Patient Preparation
- NPO 4 hours, but can take meds with small sip of water.
