Coronary CT Angiography

Who Should Undergo Coronary CT Angiography (MSCT Coronary Angiography)?

The following individuals are recommended to undergo screening and early diagnosis using coronary CT angiography:

• High-risk individuals for coronary artery disease, including the elderly and patients with multiple underlying conditions such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
• Patients with abnormal or suspicious findings on ECG (electrocardiogram) or exercise stress ECG tests.
• Individuals experiencing atypical chest pain of unknown origin.
• Patients requiring diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, including structural abnormalities of the heart muscle or heart valves.
• Patients who require post-treatment follow-up, such as after coronary stent placement, balloon angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Who Should Avoid Coronary CT Angiography?

To ensure maximum patient safety, Thien Nhan Hospital does not recommend or may contraindicate MSCT coronary angiography in the following cases (or requires special consideration):

• Pregnant women, due to potential risks of X-ray radiation exposure to the fetus.
• Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to contrast media (please inform your physician in advance).
• Patients with severe chronic kidney disease, as contrast agents may adversely affect renal function.
• Patients with severe asthma, respiratory failure, or those who are unable to hold their breath as required during the scanning procedure.

What Types of Coronary CT Angiography Are Available?

Coronary CT angiography techniques are generally classified into two main types: non-contrast coronary CT angiography and contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography. Each technique serves different diagnostic purposes depending on the patient’s clinical condition and evaluation goals.

Non-Contrast Coronary CT Angiography

This technique focuses on accurately assessing and measuring the degree of coronary artery calcification, commonly expressed as the Coronary Calcium Score. Based on these CT findings, physicians can early evaluate the risk of coronary artery narrowing or underlying atherosclerosis, even before clinical symptoms appear.

The results provide an important foundation for clinicians to decide on further screening strategies or to develop preventive treatment plans tailored to the patient’s cardiovascular risk profile.

Contrast-Enhanced Coronary CT Angiography

This is an advanced diagnostic technique in which a contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream prior to scanning. The contrast medium enhances visualization of the coronary arteries, allowing them to appear sharp and well-defined on CT images, thereby enabling precise assessment of vascular lesions.

This technique offers excellent diagnostic accuracy (up to over 97%) in detecting complex coronary conditions such as coronary artery stenosis or occlusion, coronary artery aneurysm, and coronary artery fistula. Based on these detailed findings, physicians can establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the most optimal treatment strategy.

Coronary CT Angiography Procedure at Thien Nhan Hospital

The coronary CT angiography procedure at Thien Nhan Hospital is scientifically designed to be efficient, safe, and patient-centered, ensuring comfort and peace of mind throughout the entire examination process.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment

Patients can register for coronary CT angiography by contacting our hotlines:
023 6356 8988 – 023 6382 8489 (Thien Nhan Da Nang)
025 5388 8999 (Thien Nhan Quang Ngai)
or by completing the registration form HERE. Our staff will contact patients to provide consultation on the procedure cost and confirm the examination schedule.

On the day of the scan, the physician will conduct a clinical examination, carefully review the patient’s medical history, and assess any relevant test results (if available). Based on this evaluation, the physician will determine the most appropriate coronary CT technique (with or without contrast agent) and provide detailed instructions on necessary preparation steps.

Step 2: Coronary CT Angiography Procedure

After completing the preparation, patients will change into medical attire and lie on the CT examination table. The technologist will then attach heart rate monitoring devices to ensure accurate image acquisition.

If contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography is required, a nurse will place an intravenous (IV) line for the administration of the contrast agent inside the scanning room. Patients will also be guided through a simulated procedure beforehand to help them understand the process and cooperate smoothly during the actual scan.

During image acquisition, the technologist may ask the patient to hold their breath briefly to ensure the highest level of image accuracy.

Step 3: Results Review and Consultation with a Specialist

After the scan, the images are transferred to the processing department and reconstructed using advanced AI-powered software. A specialist physician will then carefully analyze the images, interpret the findings, and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Finally, the physician will provide a clear and transparent explanation of the coronary artery condition and the clinical significance of the findings, while also advising on an appropriate treatment plan (if necessary) or a personalized preventive strategy tailored to the patient’s needs.

Important Notes Before, During, and After Coronary CT Angiography

To ensure that the coronary CT angiography procedure is safe, accurate, and effective, patients are advised to carefully follow the instructions provided by Thien Nhan Hospital.

Before the Scan

Below are important preparations patients should make prior to undergoing coronary CT angiography:

• Fasting as instructed: Patients are usually required to fast for approximately 4–6 hours before the scan, especially when a contrast agent is used. Please strictly follow your physician’s specific instructions.
• Inform your medical history and current health condition: Patients should provide detailed information regarding their medical history, existing conditions (such as diabetes, kidney disease, asthma), and any known allergies, particularly allergies to contrast agents, to ensure maximum safety.
• Remove metal objects: All metal items (jewelry, watches, mobile phones, hair accessories, etc.) must be removed to avoid image interference. Patients should also inform the physician if they have any implanted metal devices, such as pacemakers or hearing aids.
• Blood or urine tests if required: If blood or urine tests are prescribed on the same day as a contrast-enhanced CT scan, these samples should be collected prior to the imaging procedure.

During the Scan

To ensure high-quality images and a smooth, efficient procedure, patients are advised to follow these instructions:

• Follow all instructions carefully: Patients should remain as still as possible throughout the scanning process. Please listen carefully and follow all instructions given by the technologist to achieve optimal image quality.
• Proper breathing technique: During the scan, the technologist may ask patients to hold their breath for a few seconds when instructed. This helps ensure clear, sharp images without motion blur.

After the Scan

After undergoing coronary CT angiography, patients should observe the following instructions:

• Drink plenty of fluids: If a contrast agent was used, patients are advised to drink plenty of water (plain water or fruit juices) throughout the day to help the body eliminate any remaining contrast material.
• Report any abnormal symptoms to your doctor: Patients should monitor their condition and inform a physician immediately if they experience serious reactions such as allergic responses, skin rashes, swelling, itching, shortness of breath, or anaphylactic shock, which typically occur within the first hour after contrast injection.
• Avoid strenuous activities: During the first two days after the scan, patients should avoid heavy exercise or physically demanding activities.
• Limit sun exposure: For a few days after contrast administration, patients should avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight, as the contrast agent may increase skin sensitivity.
• Follow-up appointment after coronary CT angiography: Approximately one week after the examination, patients are advised to return for a follow-up visit so the physician can review their condition, analyze the final results, and discuss an appropriate specialized treatment plan if needed.
• Additional precautions: Patients should avoid hot tubs or swimming pools and should not apply skincare products near the intravenous injection site for up to three days after the scan to reduce the risk of infection.

Coronary CT Images at Thien Nhan Hospital

Thien Nhan Hospital proudly invests in the advanced 256-slice Spectral CT system – GE Revolution Frontier Gen3 (USA). This state-of-the-art technology delivers exceptional image quality, enabling physicians to visualize the coronary arteries with ultra-high resolution while reducing radiation exposure by up to 96%.
With clear and highly detailed images, our system supports extremely accurate diagnosis, even of the smallest coronary lesions, allowing physicians to develop optimal and fully personalized treatment plans for each patient.

Below are selected coronary CT angiography images performed at Thien Nhan Hospital: