CTA v MRA

[CattyCatt]

Hi, I had an MRI and MRA with contrast last month as I was having neuro symptoms. I have a strong family history of brain bleeds. They sent me an appointment for a CTA saying they wanted to look at my carotids as there's a 1mm lesion they want to look at (found that out after I called to ask why they'd sent me this appt letter).

Can a CTA show more than what an MRA with contrast does? The CTA is with iodine which is worrying as I have thyroiditis - the research I've done says the iodine can make thyroiditis worse.

Is the CTA going to show anything more than the MRA?

[FeeGi]

Yes the CTA will be to confirm if it is an aneurysm. It shows more than MRA. I too was worried about contrast bec allergies, but it was fine. They gave me injection high dose antihistamine afterwards. All fine.

Best of luck. If it is worst case 1mm aneurysm thats still v good news as it's so small. And in ICA area is also good.

[CattyCatt in reply to FeeGi]

Thank you FeeGi, this puts my mind at ease.