This is an education resource only. Ordering of all procedure codes on this website are subject to the Canberra Health Services guidelines for imaging orders.
INDICATIONS (1,2)
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Aortic Dissection
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Pulmonary AVM suspected
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Transcatheter aortic valve replacement planning and follow up
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Haemoptysis, massive, life threatening
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Polytrauma
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Thoracic aortic dissection suspected and for follow up known dissection
PATHOLOGY DEMONSTRATED (1,2)
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AVM
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Aortic dissection
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Thoracic haemorrhage
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Haemothorax
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Fracture/dislocations
PATIENT PREPARATION
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Patient able to lie still for ten minutes
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Not claustrophobic (sedation may be given)
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Cognitively capable of following basic instructions
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Metal artefacts removed from the region of interest, including bras and necklaces
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No respiratory distress when lying supine
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Not allergic to Iodine based Contrast
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No known kidney disease (eGFR below 30 as per RANZCR), however, acute setting consultant may sign to continue with poor renal function
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No hyperthyroidism, may induce thyroid storm
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Patient to have 18G cannula in anterior cubital fossa to enable a 7ml/s flow rate (20G cannula acceptable if flushing to 5ml/s).
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Preferably patient fasted for 4 hours
ANATOMY INCLUDED
CT Aortagram (Axial)
CT Aortagram (Coronal)
CT Aortagram (Sagittal)
REFERENCES
1. American College of Radiology (ACR). Appropriateness Criteria. [Internet]. 2022 [Updated 2021, cited 10 Aug 2022]. Available from https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/ACR-Appropriateness-Criteria​
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2. Radiopaedia. CT Angiography of the Chest (protocol) [Internet]. 2008 [updated 6 June 2021, cited 23 Aug 2022]. Available from https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ct-angiography-of-the-chest-protocol?lang=gb​
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3. Radiopaedia. Aortic Dissection [Internet]. 2008 [updated 5 Oct 2022, cited 9 Oct 2022]. Available from https://radiopaedia.org/articles/aortic-dissection?lang=gb