What is a ct pa scan?

Answer 1

A CT PA scan, or CT pulmonary angiography, is a specialized imaging test used to visualize the blood vessels in the lungs, particularly to detect pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the pulmonary arteries). It involves the injection of a contrast dye into a vein, followed by a series of computed tomography (CT) scans that create detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs and surrounding structures. This test is critical for diagnosing and assessing the severity of pulmonary vascular conditions. It is typically performed in patients with symptoms like sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.