Carotid Angiogram

Carotid angiogram is a CT scan which is used to visualise the structures of the vessels within the neck supplying your brain with blood.

Reasons for a carotid angiogram include:

• Neck dissection,
• Trauma,
• Suspected stenosis,
• Occlusion,
• Dissection of carotid or vertebral arteries,
• Posterior circulation CVA,
• Post-operative assessment.

You will need to ring the department to enquire about your individual preparation requirements for your planned examination. A CT of the carotid arteries will require the injection of intravenous contrast.

Intravenous contrast is required for your examination and you will need to follow the instructions below:

• You may be required to fast prior to your appointment time so ensure you check with the staff when making an appointment.

• Take all medications with sips of water (unless otherwise instructed), including blood pressure medications.

• A recent blood test will need to be completed to assess the function of your kidneys prior to your appointment. If your blood test was taken outside the hospital then you will need to obtain a copy of the results and bring it to your examination.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken. If you suspect you could be pregnant then a pregnancy test will need to be performed prior to the commencement of the examination.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the scanning of a CT and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.

There will paperwork such as a questionnaire and consent form which you will be required to fill in upon arrival to the department. Children under the age of 16 will require consent from a guardian.

All jewellery and metal objects in the area to be scanned will need to be removed as this can cause artefact and obscure the images.                                     

If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking.

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

A cannula (needle) will be inserted in your arm by the nurses upon arrival as this CT scan requires contrast to be given intravenously. The contrast will highlight the blood vessels allowing us to see the blood flow to the carotid arteries.

You will be asked to lie on the CT examination bed with your head positioned in a special headrest. A strap will loosely secure your head straight and in position for the scan. This will help you to maintain in the correct position.

You will need to refrain from swallowing during the scan as this can cause artefact on the images. You will also need to follow some simple breathing instructions such as hold your breath. The staff will instruct you during the examination.

The CT examination bed will move in and out of the CT scanner multiple times as the image is set up ready for the injection of contrast. Once the images are obtained then the examination is completed.

Is important to help flush the contrast out of your body by drinking plenty of fluids for the rest of the day after the scan.

If you are currently taking oral hypoglycaemic such as Metformin, Diabex or Janumet for diabetes and have had the injection on contrast then it is advised to stop this medication for 48hrs after your scan. This is to prevent a build up of this medication in your system.

NOTE: this only applies if you have had an injection of contrast. If you are unsure if this applies to you then please bring a list of medications to your appointment so we can advise you.

A specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If you are an out-patient then a disc of images can be made available to you within 5 working days after the CT scan.

• I need to fast for ..................... hours before my appointment (no food or drink).  You will need to confirm this requirement when you make your appointment.
  
  
• I have had a recent blood test.
  
  
• Removed all Jewellery and metal objects.
  
  

Don't forget to bring these along to your appointment

• Referral/request form from your doctor
  
  
• Medicare / Pension card
  
  
• Previous films and report
  
  
• A copy of my recent blood results (if done privately)