CTA Pulmonary Embolism

CTA Chest (pulmonary angiogram)

that allow for the use of automated exposure control and/or iterative reconstruction algorithms

while maintaining diagnostic image quality, those techniques can be employed when

appropriate. For examinations that require manual or fixed mA/kV settings as a result of

individual patient or scanner/protocol specific factors, technologists are empowered and

encouraged to adjust mA, kV or other scan parameters based on patient size (including such

variables as height, weight, body mass index and/or lateral width) with the goals of reducing

radiation dose and maintaining diagnostic image quality.

If any patient at a TRA-MINW outpatient facility requires CT re-imaging, obtain radiologist

advice prior to proceeding with the exam.

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Indication: Evaluate for pulmonary embolism (chest pain, shortness of breath, elevated D-dimer, etc.)

Patient Position: Supine, feet down with arms above head

Scan Range (CC z-axis): Lung apices to L1 (scan cranial to caudal)

**Remember, please isocenter the exam using the lateral scout **

IV Contrast Dose, Flush, Rate and Delay:

least 4 inches above wrist or pressure injectable line)

b. Axial 1.2-1.5 mm lung kernel

c. Axial 10 x 2 mm MIP ST kernel

d. Coronal 2 mm ST kernel

e. Sagittal 2 mm ST kernel

– angulation of obliques should be

optimized for each patient’s anatomy to best demonstrate pulmonary arteries

g. Oblique 10 x 2 MIP LEFT Pulmonary Artery ST kernel

– angulation of obliques should be optimized

for each patient’s anatomy to best demonstrate pulmonary arteries

Toshiba = 1 mm

General Comments

NOTE:

Use of IV contrast is preferred for most indications aside from: pulmonary nodule follow-up, HRCT, lung

cancer screening, and in patients with a contraindication to iodinated contrast (see below).

Contrast Relative Contraindications