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CT angiography – chest

Show Alternative Names

Computed tomography angiography - thorax

CTA - lungs

Pulmonary embolism - CTA chest

Thoracic aortic aneurysm - CTA chest

Venous thromboembolism - CTA lung

Blood clot - CTA lung

Embolus - CTA lung

CT pulmonary angiogram

CT angiography combines a CT scan with the injection of dye. This technique is able to create pictures of the blood vessels in the chest and upper abdomen. CT stands for computed tomography.

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The Basics

Tests for Congenital hand abnormalities

CT angiography – chest

A Closer Look

Basal cell nevus syndrome - face and hand

Basal cell nevus syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by wide-set eyes, saddle nose, frontal bossing (prominent forehead), prognathism (prominent chin), numerous basal cell carcinomas (a type of skin cancer), and skeletal abnormalities. This individual has multiple flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps on the face which are basal cell cancers, and palmar pits.

Illustration

Polydactyly - an infant's hand

Extra digits may be present as an isolated finding, or they may occur as part of a syndrome, in which case other abnormalities are usually present.

Illustration

Complete blood count - series

Presentation

<strong>Procedure</strong><p>A CBC requires a small blood specimen. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. To prepare, the skin should be cleaned with alcohol or iodine before the test. The patient should be seated comfortably or reclining. When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. After the blood is drawn, there may be some throbbing. Although the CBC test is very safe, any blood drawing has a slight risk of complication, including oozing of blood from puncture site; fainting or feeling lightheaded; hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin); multiple punctures to locate veins; or infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken).</p>

<strong>Results, part 1</strong><p>Results; Normal values vary with altitude and sex. What abnormal results may mean; Low numbers of red blood cells may indicate blood loss; anemia (various types); hemorrhage; bone marrow failure (for example, from radiation, toxin, fibrosis, tumor); erythropoietin deficiency (secondary to renal disease); hemolysis (RBC destruction) from transfusion reaction; leukemia; multiple myeloma; malnutrition (nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6); or over hydration. Low numbers of white blood cells (leukopenia) may indicate bone marrow failure (for example, due to granuloma (granular tumor), tumor, or fibrosis); presence of cytotoxic substance; collagen-vascular diseases (such as lupus erythematosus); disease of the liver or spleen; or radiation exposure. High numbers of white blood cells (leukocytosis) may indicate infectious diseases; inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or allergy); leukemia; severe emotional or physical stress; or tissue damage (for example, burns). A low hematocrit may indicate anemia (various types); blood loss (hemorrhage); bone marrow failure (for example, due to radiation, toxin, fibrosis, tumor); hemolysis (RBC destruction) related to transfusion reaction; leukemia; malnutrition or specific nutritional deficiency; multiple myeloma; over hydration; or rheumatoid arthritis. A high hematocrit may indicate dehydration; burns; diarrhea; eclampsia; erythrocytosis; polycythemia vera; or shock. Low hemoglobin values may indicate anemia (various types) or blood loss.</p>

<strong>Results, part 2</strong><p>High numbers of red blood cells may indicate cigarette smoking; low oxygen tension in the blood; congenital heart disease; cor pulmonale; pulmonary fibrosis; polycythemia vera; dehydration (such as from severe diarrhea); or emphysema.</p>

Complete blood count - series

Presentation

<strong>Results, part 1</strong><p>Results; Normal values vary with altitude and gender. What abnormal results may mean; Low numbers of red blood cells may indicate blood loss; anemia (various types); hemorrhage; bone marrow failure (for example, from radiation, toxin, fibrosis, tumor); erythropoietin deficiency (secondary to renal disease); hemolysis (RBC destruction) from transfusion reaction; leukemia; multiple myeloma; malnutrition (nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6); or over hydration. Low numbers of white blood cells (leukopenia) may indicate bone marrow failure (for example, due to granuloma (granular tumor), tumor, or fibrosis); presence of cytotoxic substance; collagen-vascular diseases (such as lupus erythematosus); disease of the liver or spleen; or radiation exposure. High numbers of white blood cells (leukocytosis) may indicate infectious diseases; inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or allergy); leukemia; severe emotional or physical stress; or tissue damage (for example, burns). A low hematocrit may indicate anemia (various types); blood loss (hemorrhage); bone marrow failure (for example, due to radiation, toxin, fibrosis, tumor); hemolysis (RBC destruction) related to transfusion reaction; leukemia; malnutrition or specific nutritional deficiency; multiple myeloma; over hydration; or rheumatoid arthritis. A high hematocrit may indicate dehydration; burns; diarrhea; eclampsia; erythrocytosis; polycythemia vera; or shock. Low hemoglobin values may indicate anemia (various types) or blood loss.</p>

Review Date: 4/9/2024+

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