Aortic CT Angiogram

An aortic CT angiogram is performed to evaluate the aorta.  The aorta is the largest artery in the body, and extends directly from the heart.  The aorta extends upwards from the heart to arteries in the brain (including the carotid arteries) before traversing the body and branching into the main arteries of the leg.  The purpose of an aortic CT angiogram is to evaluate if there is disease of the aorta, which is usually created by atherosclerosis.  If disease is present, you may be a candidate for an interventional procedure or surgery. 

For more information about CT angiography, please see our sections on CT angiography versus angiogram, CT versus MRI, risks of a CT angiogram, the CT angiogram procedure, and finding a CT angiogram radiology center.  If you have any questions or comments, or were not able to find the information you were looking for, please fill out the quick submit form at the bottom of this page.  We will attempt to provide answers to these questions.

Image 1: Abdominal Aorta on CT Angiography with 3-D Reconstruction

Image 2: Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta on CT Angiography with 2-D Reconstruction