CORONARY CT

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Atherosclerosis – the hardening and narrowing of arteries from plaque build up on the artery walls – is often the culprit of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

Until recently, there were no non-invasive studies that could directly evaluate atherosclerosis. However, thanks to major technological advancements, CT has emerged as an excellent tool for evaluating cardiovascular health and better determining the risk associated with coronary artery disease.

CORONARY ARTERY SCREENING CT EXAM

A coronary artery calcium screening exam uses CT technology to screen for atherosclerosis and to evaluate your risk for heart disease. The exam measures the calcified plaque deposits on the artery and compares that measurement, or “score,” to normal ranges for your age and sex. To schedule your appointment, you'll need a referral from your physician. For more information, call us at (509) 455-4455.

Should I get a calcium scoring exam?

A calcium scoring exam is a valuable problem-solving tool for people considered to be at a high risk for developing heart disease. The risk factors for heart disease include:

• Men 40 years or older, women 45 or older

• High cholesterol

• History of smoking

• High blood pressure

• Family history of heart disease

• High-stress levels

• Sedentary lifestyle

If any categories apply to you, talk to your physician about a calcium scoring exam.

This procedure is not recommended for those who have had previous cardiovascular treatment or surgery, including coronary stenting, coronary bypass surgery, pacemaker placement, or valve replacement.

What should I expect?

The scan itself generally takes 10 minutes and does not involve any injections or medications. You will lie on a table fully dressed. A trained staff technologist will place EKG leads on your chest. You will be asked to hold your breath for a brief period to avoid blurry pictures. A cardiovascular-specialized radiologist will read the scan and send the results to your physician.

How do I prepare?

• No caffeine 4 hours prior to exam.

CORONARY CT ANGIOGRAPHY

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a powerful tool that uses CT technology to visualize blood flow through the small arteries that feed nutrients to the heart muscle.

A CCTA exam is a non-invasive procedure that examines the walls of the coronary arteries to evaluate the presence of hard and soft plaque. Information from the exam can help your provider determine your risk of a heart attack and develop a treatment plan

Should I get a coronary CT angiogram?

Your physician may recommend the exam if you have:

• An intermediate to high-risk profile with no typical coronary symptoms

• Chest pain, or inconclusive results from a stress test

• Unusual symptoms for CAD, but low to intermediate risk profiles

• Coronary artery anomalies

• The need for pre-surgical coronary risk evaluation

• CABG and stent patency

• Possible subclinical disease (e.g. family history of heart disease, abnormal lipid profile, chronic smoking, or diabetes)

What should I expect?

About one hour prior to the exam, you may be given a beta blocker medication (Metoprolol). You will be connected to a heart monitor. You will rest quietly until you reach a slow, even heartbeat. This helps ensure clear images. Next, you will lie on the CT table for the scan. During the scan, you will receive a dose of nitroglycerin spray. You will also receive contrast material through an IV, which helps enhance viewing of the coronary arteries. While you receive the IV contrast, the CT tube inside the scanner will rotate around your chest to capture detailed images of your cardiovascular system. To avoid blurry images, you will be asked to hold your breath for 10-15 second intervals and to remain as still as possible throughout the exam. This exam will take approximately 5-8 minutes.

After the exam, expect to wait an additional 15-30 minutes for observation.

A coronary radiologist will review the imaging results and send a report to your physician. Your physician will receive the results and determine appropriate treatment options for heart disease. This may include diet and lifestyle changes, medication, and/or further testing.

How do I prepare?

• Do not drink or eat four (4) hours before your exam.

• Do not consume caffeine or nicotine starting at midnight on the day of the exam.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be given a gown to wear during your study.

• Leave metal objects like jewelry, eyeglasses, and hairpins at home—metal objects can affect the results of the exam. Receive a blood test prior to the exam if you are over 60 years of age, diabetic, or have kidney disease.

• Inform your physician and the CT technologist of all your current medications and allergies, especially to contrast materials.

• Inform the nurse or technologist of any recent illnesses, medical conditions, and history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease.

• Notify the technologist immediately if you could be pregnant.

CT LUNG SCREENING

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Early detection increases the chances of survival. In fact, more than 380,000 people alive today were diagnosed with lung cancer at some point. Studies indicate low-dose screening CT scans may reduce lung cancer mortality by 20 to 25 percent, by identifying early-stage cancers that other methods may not detect.

Should I get a CT lung screening exam?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening CT scans for:

• Individuals between 50 and 80 years of age who are current or former smokers.

• Individuals who have smoked at least a pack-a-day for 20 years or more, including those who still smoke.

• Long time smokers who have quit within the past 15 years.

To find out if this exam may be right for you, talk with your doctor or call Inland Imaging at 509.363.7799.

VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY

Pain in your bowel, colon, or stomach could be caused by many conditions, including ulcers, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction or cancer. A CT exam can help your physician detect the source of the pain, evaluate the problem, and determine possible treatment options.

CT colonography is an advanced type of X-ray exam that uses computed tomography (CT or CAT) scanning to capture interior views of the colon (large intestine) that can ordinarily only be seen with an endoscope inserted into the rectum. This relatively new, minimally invasive test provides three-dimensional images that can depict polyps and colon masses as clearly as when they are directly seen by optical colonoscopy.

What should I expect?

You will lie on your back on the CT table. A thin tube will be inserted into your rectum. Air will flow through the tube to expand your large intestine for better viewing. The table will move through the CT scanner and take the images. You will be asked to hold your breath at points throughout the procedure to avoid blurry images.

The same procedure will be repeated while you lie on your right side and then possibly on your stomach.

The entire procedure takes 30-40 minutes and does not require sedation.

How do I prepare?

It is important that your bowel is clean and empty for your exam. To prepare for your exam, follow the liquid diet and bowel preparation kit instructions below.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on your exam date until you are advised to after your exam. You may, however, take your daily medicines as prescribed with small sips of water.

The bowel preparation kit contains laxatives and contrast material. The laxatives will help empty the bowel for the exam. The contrast will help to highlight any stool left in your colon on the pictures.

You will begin your bowel preparation kit the day before your exam. Step-by-step instructions will be provided by Inland Imaging before your exam. You may pick up your bowel preparation kit at an Inland Imaging location at Holy Family, South Cowley, Valley, and Tri-Cities.