What does CTPA mean in MEDICAL

A CTPA may be recommended for those with symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. People at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may also be recommended for this test.

You will be asked to lie down on an exam table and then have specialized dye injected into your veins while X-ray images are taken continuously. The entire process takes between 30 minutes and one hour.

Yes, the amount of radiation that you’re exposed to during a CTPA is very low and won’t increase your risk of getting cancer or other long-term complications. However, some people experience an allergic reaction to the dye used during the procedure which can cause itching, hives, or swelling. Your doctor can provide more details about any potential risks associated with this procedure.

You should speak with your doctor ahead of time about any medications you’re currently taking as some may need to be adjusted before your procedure. Depending on what kind of scan you’re having done, you may need to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight prior to the appointment.

While it’s not uncomfortable in general, most patients feel slight discomfort when the dye is being injected into their veins which can cause burning or stinging sensations in some cases. However this usually lasts less than one minute so it’s usually just a minor inconvenience rather than anything serious.

After having a CTPA most patients are able to go back home right away without experiencing any symptoms or side effects but it's important that you rest afterwards as instructed by your doctor since strenuous activity could put extra strain on your lungs and heart conditions leading up angina attacks or other cardiovascular issues.

A report detailing the findings from your scan will be made available some time after your appointment; however how quickly these results become available varies depending upon each individual case and where you had the test performed so speak with your medical provider for more information on estimated turnaround times.