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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA)

Non-invasive coronary artery imaging

Cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) uses a high-speed CT scanner with intravenous contrast dye to produce three-dimensional images of the coronary arteries in exquisite detail. For many patients with chest pain or intermediate cardiovascular risk, CCTA can rule in or rule out coronary disease without the need for invasive catheterization. The scan also visualizes soft (non-calcified) plaque that a coronary calcium score cannot see, making it a powerful tool for both diagnosis and risk stratification.

What's Included

  • EKG-gated cardiac CT scan with IV contrast
  • Three-dimensional rendering of the coronary tree
  • Quantification of stenosis severity
  • Characterization of plaque type (calcified, mixed, soft)
  • Assessment of cardiac chamber size and function
  • Evaluation of the great vessels and pulmonary veins
  • Personal review of findings with Dr. Kedan

How It's Performed

CCTA is performed at a partner imaging center. An IV is placed for contrast administration, EKG leads are attached for cardiac gating, and a beta-blocker is sometimes given to slow the heart rate for sharper images. You lie still on the scanner table, briefly hold your breath, and contrast is injected as the scan acquires. The imaging itself takes seconds; total time at the facility is typically 60 to 90 minutes.

How to Prepare

  • Avoid caffeine for 12 hours and nicotine for 4 hours before the scan.
  • Avoid Viagra, Cialis, and similar medications for 48 hours.
  • Fast for 4 hours before the scan; clear liquids are usually fine.
  • Tell the team about any prior contrast reactions or kidney disease.
  • Continue all routine medications unless instructed otherwise.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — you can resume all normal activity immediately. Drink extra water for the rest of the day to help clear the contrast. Dr. Kedan reviews the images and report personally and walks you through the findings at a dedicated follow-up. CCTA results often allow a clear path forward: reassurance, intensified prevention, or a referral for invasive evaluation only if absolutely needed.

Indications

  • Chest pain with low-to-intermediate risk of coronary disease
  • Equivocal or non-diagnostic stress test
  • Elevated coronary calcium score requiring soft-plaque assessment
  • Family history of premature coronary disease in symptomatic patients
  • Evaluation of coronary anomalies or bypass-graft patency
  • Pre-operative coronary assessment before non-cardiac surgery
  • Assessment of aortic and pulmonary venous anatomy

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cardiac CT angiography?
It is a CT scan of the heart performed with IV contrast and synchronized to your heartbeat. The result is a detailed three-dimensional picture of the coronary arteries, including the percentage and location of any narrowing and the type of plaque present.
How is CCTA different from a coronary calcium score?
A calcium score is a brief, contrast-free scan that quantifies calcified plaque only. CCTA uses contrast to show the inside of the coronary arteries directly, visualizing both calcified and soft plaque, measuring stenosis severity, and acting as a virtual angiogram. CCTA delivers more information but requires IV contrast and somewhat more radiation.
How long does the scan take?
Image acquisition takes only seconds, but with IV placement, heart-rate optimization, and post-scan observation, plan on 60 to 90 minutes at the imaging center.
How do I prepare?
Avoid caffeine for 12 hours and nicotine for 4 hours so your heart rate stays low. Skip ED medications (Viagra, Cialis) for 48 hours. Fast for 4 hours. Continue your other routine medications.
Is it painful or claustrophobic?
The scanner is open on both ends — not a tunnel — and you're inside for a brief time. Most patients are very comfortable. The IV placement is a brief pinch, and the contrast may cause a warm flush throughout the body.
What are the risks?
Risks include contrast reaction (rare), contrast-related kidney injury in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, and the small radiation dose of a cardiac CT. Modern scanners deliver substantially lower doses than a decade ago.
What does the result show?
A detailed map of each coronary artery with stenosis severity reported by segment, characterization of plaque (calcified, mixed, soft), measurements of chamber size and function, and assessment of the aorta and pulmonary veins.
Who interprets the study?
A cardiac CT radiologist generates the report, and Dr. Kedan reviews the images personally and integrates the findings into your overall plan.
When will I get the results?
Typically within 24 to 48 hours of the scan. Dr. Kedan reviews them with you at a dedicated follow-up — often the same week.
How do I schedule one?
Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555. CCTA is ordered after a clinical evaluation and coordinated at a high-quality nearby imaging center.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.