CT Pulmonary Angiogram in Ahmedabad – Life-Saving Lung Vascular Imaging
The gold standard investigation for pulmonary embolism (PE), blood clots in the lungs, and pulmonary vascular disorders — 160-slice CT with contrast, expert radiologists, urgent same-day reporting.
What Is a CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA)?
A CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA) is a specialised, contrast-enhanced CT scan of the pulmonary arteries — the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. It is the gold standard diagnostic test for detecting pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when a blood clot blocks the pulmonary arteries and can be rapidly fatal if untreated.
At Usmanpura Imaging Centre, our 160-slice multi-detector CT scanner captures the entire pulmonary vascular tree in a single breath-hold of under 5 seconds — delivering razor-sharp 3D images that allow our specialist radiologists to identify even the smallest clots in subsegmental arteries. Reports are available urgently, within hours of the scan.
Beyond pulmonary embolism, CTPA is also used to evaluate pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, chronic thromboembolic disease and other vascular lung conditions.
Gold Standard for Pulmonary Embolism
CTPA is the most sensitive and specific test for PE — detecting clots down to the subsegmental artery level.
Emergency 24/7 Availability
PE is a medical emergency. Our centre offers CTPA round-the-clock — 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Scan Completed in < 5 Seconds
160-slice CT captures the entire pulmonary vasculature in a single breath-hold — ideal for critically ill patients.
How Is a CTPA Scan Performed?
CTPA is a specialised CT scan requiring IV contrast injection timed precisely to the arrival of contrast in the pulmonary arteries. Here's the step-by-step process:
IV Contrast Preparation
A small IV cannula is placed in your arm. Iodine-based contrast dye is prepared for injection — this opacifies the blood vessels so they appear bright white on CT.
Bolus Tracking / Test Bolus
A small test dose or automated tracking technique ensures perfect timing — the CT scan fires exactly when the contrast reaches the pulmonary arteries at peak concentration.
Breath-Hold & Scan (<5 sec)
You are asked to hold your breath for 5 seconds. The 160-slice CT gantry rotates and captures the entire chest and pulmonary vasculature in one rapid acquisition.
3D Reconstruction
Advanced workstation software reconstructs the raw data into detailed 3D images of pulmonary arteries, showing any filling defects (clots), stenosis or dilation.
Same Day Reporting
160-Slice Pulmonary CT Angiography
Our 160-slice CT captures the entire pulmonary vascular tree from main pulmonary trunk down to sub-subsegmental arteries in under 5 seconds — enabling detection of even the smallest peripheral clots that older CT scanners miss.
The Pulmonary Vascular Tree
Blood flow from heart → lungs — what CTPA visualises
A blood clot (thrombus) blocking any of these vessels is a Pulmonary Embolism — a medical emergency. CTPA can pinpoint its exact location within seconds.
Understanding the Pulmonary Vasculature
The pulmonary circulation is a dedicated low-pressure vascular loop that carries deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs for oxygen exchange. Blood clots (pulmonary emboli) most commonly originate as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs and travel through the venous system into the pulmonary arteries.
CTPA directly visualises the lumen of the pulmonary arteries — any clot appears as a "filling defect" (a dark area inside the bright white contrast-filled vessel). The location, extent and burden of clot determines treatment urgency.
What CTPA reveals:
Conditions Diagnosed by CT Pulmonary Angiogram
CTPA is the definitive test for pulmonary vascular disease — from life-threatening emergencies to chronic lung vessel conditions.
Acute Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Detects blood clots in pulmonary arteries at any level — from saddle embolus in the main trunk to tiny subsegmental artery clots. Essential for immediate treatment decisions.
🚨 EmergencyPulmonary Hypertension
Identifies enlarged pulmonary trunk, right ventricular enlargement, mosaic perfusion and signs of chronic pulmonary hypertension from multiple causes.
ChronicChronic Thromboembolic Disease (CTEPH)
Organised clots and web-like filling defects from unresolved PE — causing progressive breathlessness and pulmonary hypertension. CTPA determines surgical eligibility.
Chronic PEPulmonary AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation)
Abnormal direct connections between pulmonary arteries and veins — causing hypoxia, stroke risk and haemoptysis. CTPA maps the feeding vessel precisely.
VascularPulmonary Artery Aneurysm
Abnormal dilation of pulmonary arteries — detected and measured precisely on CTPA. Important in Behçet's disease, infection and congenital heart disease.
VascularPulmonary Vasculitis
Inflammatory vessel disease — Takayasu arteritis, Behçet's syndrome affecting pulmonary vessels. CTPA shows vessel wall thickening and arterial occlusion.
InflammatoryPulmonary Artery Tumour / Sarcoma
Very rare — intimal sarcoma of pulmonary artery mimics PE. CTPA helps distinguish tumour from clot through enhancement patterns and morphology.
OncologyRight Heart Strain Assessment
In massive PE, CTPA reveals right ventricular dilatation, D-sign, septal flattening and reflux into IVC — key prognostic indicators for clinical management.
CardiacIncidental Lung & Mediastinal Findings
CTPA also images lung parenchyma — detecting incidental lung nodules, masses, consolidation, pleural effusions and mediastinal abnormalities in the same scan.
IncidentalWhy CTPA Is the Gold Standard
CTPA outperforms all other tests for diagnosing pulmonary embolism and pulmonary vascular disease.
Highest Sensitivity for PE
Detects clots in pulmonary arteries with >95% sensitivity — far better than V/Q scan or chest X-ray.
Completed in Minutes
Total CTPA scan time is <30 minutes including IV contrast preparation — critical in emergencies.
Simultaneous Lung Imaging
In the same scan, CTPA evaluates lung parenchyma — detecting pneumonia, consolidation and incidental nodules.
Guides Treatment Immediately
CTPA report directly determines whether thrombolysis, anticoagulation, embolectomy or IVC filter is needed.
CTPA vs Other PE Investigations
Understand why CTPA is the first-choice diagnostic test for suspected pulmonary embolism compared to other options.
| Test | CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA) | V/Q Scan | Chest X-Ray | D-Dimer Blood Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE Detection | ✓ >95% sensitivity | ~85% | Very low (<30%) | Cannot confirm (only screen) |
| Speed | ✓ <30 minutes total | 2–4 hours | 5 minutes | 1–2 hours (lab) |
| Direct Clot Visualisation | ✓ Yes — direct imaging | Indirect (perfusion defects) | No | No |
| Clot Location | ✓ Exact vessel level | Approximate only | Not possible | Not possible |
| Available in Pregnancy | With low-dose protocol | Low radiation option | Yes (shielded) | ✓ Yes — no radiation |
| Other Diagnoses | ✓ Yes — lungs, heart, mediastinum | No | Limited | No |
| Emergency Use | ✓ First choice worldwide | Not standard | Only to exclude other causes | Screening tool only |
How to Prepare for a CTPA Scan
CTPA always requires IV contrast. Follow these instructions for a safe scan. In emergencies, some steps may be expedited by the medical team.
Do's – What To Do
- ✓Fast for 4 hours before the scan if clinically possible (emergency cases exempted)
- ✓Bring all previous imaging, D-dimer results, ECG and clinical details
- ✓Inform staff of any allergy to iodine or previous contrast reactions immediately
- ✓Inform team about kidney disease — creatinine check may be needed before contrast
- ✓Tell staff about all medications, especially Metformin and anticoagulants
- ✓Inform team if pregnant or possibility of pregnancy — risk/benefit will be assessed
- ✓Wear loose clothing without metal near the chest area
- ✓In emergency — proceed directly; the medical team will manage contrast safely
Don'ts – What To Avoid
- ✕Do not eat or drink (except water) 4 hours before if emergency is not time-critical
- ✕Do not hide history of contrast allergy — it is a serious safety risk
- ✕Do not stop anticoagulants before CTPA — continue all medications unless told by doctor
- ✕Do not take Metformin on the day of and 48 hours after contrast injection
- ✕Do not delay calling if symptoms are severe — PE is a medical emergency
- ✕Do not wear jewellery, chains, bra underwire or metallic clothing
- ✕Do not breastfeed for 24–48 hours after contrast injection (express and discard)
- ✕Do not allow severe renal impairment (eGFR <30) without nephrologist guidance for contrast
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about CT Pulmonary Angiogram — answered clearly.
What is a CTPA scan and why is it done?+
Is CTPA available as an emergency 24/7?+
How long does a CTPA scan take?+
Is CTPA safe? Are there risks from the contrast dye?+
What is the cost of CTPA in Ahmedabad?+
What is the difference between CTPA and CT Chest?+
Can a CTPA be done in a pregnant patient?+
When will I receive the CTPA report?+
Other CT Angiography & Chest CT Services
Explore our full range of CT vascular and thoracic imaging services available across all branches.
CT Angiography (CTA)
Aorta, coronary, carotid and peripheral vessel imaging — full vascular assessment.
HRCT Chest
High-resolution lung imaging for COVID, ILD, pneumonia, bronchiectasis and lung cancer.
CT Brain
Stroke, trauma, tumour and neurological emergency evaluation — available 24/7.
CT Abdomen & Pelvis
Comprehensive abdominal and pelvic organ evaluation for pain, tumours and organ disease.
What Our Patients & Doctors Say
Trusted by clinicians and patients across Ahmedabad and Gujarat for urgent and specialised diagnostic imaging.
"My patient had suspected PE at 2 AM. Usmanpura Imaging performed the CTPA within 30 minutes of our call. The radiologist called me directly with the findings — massive bilateral PE confirmed immediately. We started thrombolysis and saved his life. Exceptional emergency service."
"My father was having breathlessness and chest pain. Usmanpura Imaging did the CTPA quickly. The report came in a few hours and showed pulmonary clots. The detailed report helped his doctor start treatment immediately. Very professional and affordable."
"As a pulmonologist, I regularly refer CTPA to Usmanpura Imaging. Their 160-slice CT provides excellent pulmonary vascular images and the reports are detailed and clinically helpful. Fast turnaround even for complex cases. Highly recommend for all chest vascular imaging."
Book Your CTPA Scan — Available 24/7
Don't delay a potentially life-saving diagnosis. Usmanpura Imaging Centre offers emergency and elective CTPA at Ahmedabad's most affordable price — with urgent specialist reporting.
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