CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) at Dr. Essa Lab

CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) at Dr. Essa Lab

A CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) at Dr. Essa Lab is a highly specialized, non-invasive diagnostic imaging examination designed to evaluate the arterial system of the lower extremities. This advanced procedure utilizes Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) technology combined with an intravenous iodinated contrast medium to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the blood vessels. The scan covers the entire lower limb vascular tree, starting from the distal abdominal aorta and iliac bifurcation down to the tiny digital arteries of the feet. By providing detailed anatomical and functional information about blood flow, this examination plays a crucial role in the modern management of vascular diseases.

The lower limbs are supplied by a complex network of arteries, including the common iliac, internal and external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral, profound femoral, popliteal, anterior tibial, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries. Healthy blood flow through these vessels is vital for maintaining tissue viability and muscle function. When these arteries become narrowed, occluded, or damaged, patients can experience severe symptoms ranging from pain during walking to tissue necrosis. The CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) at Dr. Essa Lab offers an unparalleled non-invasive method to visualize these vessels, allowing radiologists and vascular specialists to identify pathology with high sensitivity and specificity.

The clinical utility of this scan is extensive. It serves as an essential tool for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease (PAD), evaluating acute limb-threatening ischemia, assessing traumatic vascular injuries, and planning surgical or endovascular interventions. At Dr. Essa Lab, the procedure is performed using low-dose radiation protocols and advanced post-processing software to generate detailed multiplanar reconstructions and maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, ensuring the highest diagnostic accuracy for patients in Karachi and beyond.

Clinical Procedure: What to Expect

Patient Preparation

• Fasting Guidelines: Patients must fast for at least 4 to 6 hours prior to the scan. This is a precautionary measure to prevent nausea or vomiting, which can sometimes occur during the rapid injection of the iodinated contrast agent.
• Renal Function Assessment: A recent Serum Creatinine test (performed within the last 30 days) is mandatory. The contrast medium is cleared by the kidneys, and evaluating renal function (eGFR) is essential to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy.
• Hydration Protocol: Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids before and after the procedure. Excellent hydration helps the kidneys process and eliminate the contrast dye quickly and safely.
• Allergy Screening: It is vital to inform the medical staff of any history of allergies, particularly to iodine, contrast media, or shellfish. Patients with a history of mild allergic reactions may require a premedication regimen.
• Medication Management: Patients taking Metformin for diabetes must consult their physician. Metformin is typically withheld on the day of the scan and for 48 hours afterward to avoid the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Clothing and Accessories: Patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing. All metallic items, such as belts, zippers, jewelry, and coins, must be removed from the waist down to prevent imaging artifacts.
• Pregnancy Declaration: Female patients must notify the technologist if they are or suspect they might be pregnant, as alternative non-ionizing imaging may be required.

During the Procedure

Upon entering the scan room, the patient is positioned comfortably in a supine position (lying flat on their back) on the motorized CT scanner table. To ensure optimal image quality, the legs are aligned straight and may be secured with soft straps to minimize any movement during the scan. A peripheral intravenous (IV) cannula, usually 18 to 20 gauge, is placed in a vein in the patient’s arm. This cannula is connected to an automated dual-head power injector, which is programmed to deliver the iodinated contrast medium at a precise flow rate, followed by a saline flush to optimize vessel opacification.

The CT table slowly glides through the circular gantry of the scanner. The technologist first performs a quick scout scan to define the imaging limits. Once the contrast injection begins, advanced bolus tracking software monitors the contrast concentration in the abdominal aorta. As soon as the contrast reaches its peak density, the diagnostic scan is automatically initiated. The scanner captures high-resolution images as the contrast flows down the lower limbs. During the injection, the patient may experience a warm, flushing sensation and a metallic taste in the mouth, which are normal and temporary. The entire scanning process takes less than a minute, while the complete appointment lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

When is a CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) Performed?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Evaluation

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a chronic condition characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques within the arteries supplying the lower limbs. This progressive narrowing restricts blood flow, leading to intermittent claudication—pain or cramping in the calves or thighs during physical exertion that subsides with rest. As the disease worsens, patients may experience ischemic rest pain or develop non-healing ulcers. Physicians request a CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) to map the exact location, length, and severity of arterial stenoses, allowing for precise intervention planning.

Acute Limb Ischemia Assessment

Acute limb ischemia is a sudden, life-threatening vascular emergency where blood flow to a limb is abruptly cut off, usually due to an embolus or acute thrombosis. It presents with the sudden onset of severe pain, coldness, pallor, pulselessness, and loss of sensation or motor function in the affected leg. Immediate diagnostic imaging via CT angiography is critical to locate the occlusion, assess the viability of distal run-off vessels, and guide emergency surgical embolectomy or thrombolytic therapy to salvage the limb.

Lower Extremity Vascular Trauma

Traumatic injuries to the lower limbs, such as high-impact fractures, dislocations, penetrating wounds, or crush injuries, can cause severe damage to adjacent blood vessels. This can result in arterial lacerations, complete transections, pseudoaneurysms, or arteriovenous fistulas. A CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) is performed rapidly in emergency settings to identify the precise site and nature of vascular trauma, providing trauma surgeons with an immediate anatomical roadmap for surgical repair.

Evaluation of Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

Vascular anomalies, including true arterial aneurysms (such as popliteal artery aneurysms) and congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), can lead to serious complications like thrombosis, distal embolization, or rupture. Popliteal aneurysms are particularly prone to forming blood clots that can suddenly block distal blood flow. CT angiography provides high-resolution, three-dimensional visualization of the aneurysm’s size, wall structure, and relationship to surrounding anatomy, which is essential for determining the need for elective surgical or endovascular repair.

Post-Surgical Follow-up and Graft Patency

Patients who have undergone vascular reconstruction, such as peripheral arterial bypass grafting or endovascular angioplasty with stent placement, require routine monitoring to ensure long-term success. If a patient experiences a recurrence of symptoms or if non-invasive Doppler ultrasound suggests a decline in blood flow, a CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) is performed to assess the patency of the bypass graft or stent, identify any areas of restenosis, and detect complications like graft infection or pseudoaneurysm formation.

What Does a CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) Detect?

A CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) at Dr. Essa Lab is highly sensitive and capable of detecting a wide range of vascular and soft tissue pathologies. The primary findings identified during this examination include:

• Atherosclerotic plaque burden, including calcified, non-calcified, and mixed plaques.
• Focal, segmental, or diffuse arterial stenosis (luminal narrowing).
• Complete arterial occlusion with absence of distal contrast enhancement.
• Acute arterial thrombosis or thromboembolism showing as intraluminal filling defects.
• Popliteal artery aneurysms and associated mural thrombi.
• Femoral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.
• Arterial dissection presenting with an intimal flap and double-lumen sign.
• Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with premature venous filling.
• Congenital vascular malformations and anomalous branching patterns.
• Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome caused by abnormal muscular compression.
• Vasculitis, including Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans).
• Collateral circulation pathways bypassing chronic arterial obstructions.
• Bypass graft stenosis, occlusion, kinking, or anastomotic aneurysms.
• In-stent restenosis or physical stent fracture.
• Extrinsic vascular compression by soft tissue masses, cysts, or hematomas.
• Traumatic arterial transection, laceration, or spasm.
• Active contrast extravasation indicating acute hemorrhage.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when delayed-phase imaging is performed.
• Medial arterial calcification (Mönckeberg’s sclerosis), particularly in diabetic patients.
• Distal run-off vessel patency and the integrity of the pedal arch.

Turnaround Time and Report Access at Dr. Essa Lab

At Dr. Essa Lab, we understand that timely diagnostic results are critical for effective clinical decision-making. The raw data captured during your CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) is processed using advanced workstation software to generate detailed 3D vascular reconstructions. These images are meticulously reviewed and interpreted by our team of highly qualified consultant radiologists. The final comprehensive diagnostic report is typically compiled and verified within 24 to 48 hours. Patients can conveniently access and download their reports, along with high-resolution digital images, through the secure Dr. Essa Lab online portal or mobile application. Physical copies of the report and a CD/DVD containing the complete DICOM image dataset can also be collected directly from the diagnostic center.

CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC) Findings Overview

Structure / Parameter Evaluated	Normal Findings	Possible Abnormal Findings
Abdominal Aorta & Iliac Arteries	Normal caliber, smooth walls, and uniform contrast enhancement without stenosis.	Aneurysmal dilation, atherosclerotic plaque, severe stenosis, or acute occlusion.
Femoral Arteries	Continuous contrast opacification, normal diameter, and regular vessel margins.	Focal stenosis, calcification, occlusion, or pseudoaneurysm formation.
Popliteal Arteries	Smooth course behind the knee, normal caliber, and no extrinsic compression.	Popliteal aneurysm, mural thrombus, entrapment syndrome, or acute embolism.
Tibial & Peroneal Arteries	Patent three-vessel run-off in the calf with symmetric contrast enhancement.	Diffuse atherosclerotic narrowing, single-vessel run-off, or complete occlusion.
Pedal Arch & Digital Arteries	Intact arterial arch in the foot providing adequate peripheral perfusion.	Poor distal run-off, microvascular disease, or complete absence of pedal flow.
Arterial Wall Integrity	Intact vessel walls without dissection, tear, or abnormal outpouching.	Intimal flap (dissection), wall laceration, active extravasation, or vasculitis.
Surrounding Soft Tissues	No abnormal fluid collections, masses, or inflammatory changes.	Hematoma, soft tissue swelling, abscess, or extrinsic vascular compression.

Note: Diagnostic findings should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional together with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, laboratory investigations, previous imaging studies, and other relevant clinical information. Additional investigations or specialist consultation may be recommended depending on the findings.

Why Choose Dr. Essa Lab for CT SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY LOWER LIMBS (DELDC)?

• Experienced Healthcare Professionals: Our scans are interpreted by certified consultant radiologists specializing in advanced cardiovascular and peripheral vascular imaging.
• Advanced Diagnostic Technology: We utilize high-slice Multidetector CT (MDCT) scanners that provide rapid scanning and exceptional 3D vascular reconstructions.
• ISO Certified Standards: Dr. Essa Lab operates under strict international quality control guidelines, ensuring high diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
• Convenient Online Report Access: Patients can easily download their reports and view high-resolution images online through our secure portal.
• Comprehensive Branch Network: With multiple diagnostic centers across Karachi and other major cities, we offer convenient access to quality diagnostics.
• Patient-Focused Care: Our compassionate clinical staff ensures a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment throughout the imaging procedure.
• Affordable and Transparent Pricing: We provide world-class diagnostic services at competitive rates, making advanced healthcare accessible to all.
• Trusted Legacy: Established in 1987, Dr. Essa Lab is one of Pakistan’s most trusted and recognized names in diagnostic medicine.