What is the difference between CTA examination and angiography?
Disease description:
Recently, I have experienced symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. Today afternoon, I developed cyanosis and went to the hospital for examination. The doctor said a CTA scan is needed for diagnosis. What is the difference between a CTA scan and angiography?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xin
CTA examination, also known as CT angiography, is a non-invasive diagnostic method that uses intravenous contrast injection followed by CT scanning to clearly visualize vascular conditions, including vessel size, morphology, and patency. It is primarily used for screening and initial diagnosis of vascular diseases.
Conventional angiography, on the other hand, is an invasive procedure typically performed in an interventional suite. It involves puncturing a blood vessel and injecting contrast medium to visualize the vascular interior using X-ray imaging. With higher resolution, it serves as the gold standard for diagnosing vascular diseases.
The two methods differ in procedural approach, invasiveness, indications, and accuracy. Selection should be based on specific clinical circumstances and patient conditions.
