- Strengths
- Generally for high clinical suspicion of intestinal ischemia. Sensitivity of 95% equal to conventional angiography. Includes 3D image reconstruction. Also assesses possible compromise of bowel loops from ischemia or infarction. Better than MRA overall.
- Limitations
- specifically designed to evaluate the mesenteric vascular supply and possible compromise. It will also assess bowel loops and other organs, but if study is just for screening for potential ischemia, standard CT abdomen and pelvis probably better.
- 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
- 74178
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- CT Angiogram abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast.
- Patient Preparation
- NPO 4 hours, but can take meds with small sip of water.
