CT angiography in trauma

Abstract

Rapid assessment and diagnosis of traumatic arterial injuries are critical in the evaluation of acutely injured patients. CT angiograms (CTAs) have become common imaging methods in busy trauma centers. CTA has largely replaced digital subtraction angiography because of its speed, noninvasive nature, accuracy, and widespread availability. This article reviews the current use of multidetector CTA in trauma with attention to technique and protocol considerations, illustrates findings of many commonly encountered injuries, and discusses the clinical implications of vascular trauma throughout the body.