Although a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan is a test that can be used to help diagnose
many types of diseases or conditions, its primary use in cardiovascular medicine is to help determine if there are blockages
in your blood vessels or a weakening in the wall of an artery (aneurysm). It can also be used to examine specific organs to
detect whether or not a blood vessel has broken open (ruptured) and caused damage to the organ. A CAT scan uses X-rays to examine
and take pictures of the arteries and veins in your body.
As part of your CAT scan, you may be asked to drink a special
liquid that has a type of X-ray dye in it. Or, the dye may be
injected into a vein through an IV. For this reason, it
is important to tell your doctor or X-ray technologist
if you have any allergies to X-ray dye. During the test
you will lie on a table that will move you through a large tube,
called the X-ray scanner. Pictures will be taken for your doctor
to review thoroughly. A CAT scan takes about 30 minutes to complete
and can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. If a CAT
scan is ordered for you, you will receive additional information
and instructions when the test is scheduled.
