CT angiography (CTA) is best described as:

CT angiography (CTA) is best described as:

• A. Uses MRI to assess brain parenchyma
• B. Uses IV contrast to view vessels and detect occlusion or stenosis
• C. Does not require contrast
• D. Visualizes only venous structures

Answer: (B)

CT angiography uses intravenous contrast to visualize blood vessels and identify occlusions or stenosis in the cerebral vasculature. The contrast highlights arteries during the scan, producing images that reveal vessel patency quickly, which is crucial in acute stroke assessment and treatment decisions. This differs from non-contrast CT, which evaluates brain tissue rather than vessels, and from MRI-based angiography, which relies on magnetic resonance techniques. Because it relies on contrast, statements claiming no contrast are not accurate. While veins can appear, CTA is focused on outlining arterial structures and their abnormalities.

CT angiography uses intravenous contrast to visualize blood vessels and identify occlusions or stenosis in the cerebral vasculature. The contrast highlights arteries during the scan, producing images that reveal vessel patency quickly, which is crucial in acute stroke assessment and treatment decisions. This differs from non-contrast CT, which evaluates brain tissue rather than vessels, and from MRI-based angiography, which relies on magnetic resonance techniques. Because it relies on contrast, statements claiming no contrast are not accurate. While veins can appear, CTA is focused on outlining arterial structures and their abnormalities.