CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which imaging modality is primarily utilized to evaluate thromboembolic disease?

1. X-ray

2. Ultrasound

3. CT Angiography

4. MRI

The correct answer is: CT Angiography

CT Angiography is primarily utilized to evaluate thromboembolic disease because it provides detailed imaging of the blood vessels and is highly effective in visualizing both arterial and venous structures. This modality uses contrast material injected into a vein or artery, allowing for enhanced visualization of blood flow and helping to identify blockages or clots within the vessels. It is particularly useful in cases such as pulmonary embolism, where rapid and precise diagnosis is crucial for patient management. Ultrasound, while valuable in identifying venous thromboembolic disease, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT), has limitations in assessing certain regions of the body, especially in detecting PE. X-ray is generally less specific and does not provide clear images of soft tissues or blood vessels, making it inadequate for this purpose. Similarly, MRI, although useful in certain contexts, is typically not the first-line modality for thromboembolic disease due to longer acquisition times and limited availability when rapid diagnosis is needed. Hence, CT Angiography is the most effective and widely used imaging technique for this condition.