CTPA
Medical abbreviation · Medical Imaging
| Stands for | Computed tomography pulmonary angiography |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CTPA stands for Computed tomography pulmonary angiography, a medical imaging abbreviation.
CT angiogram timed for the pulmonary arteries and the standard test to diagnose pulmonary embolism. Clots appear as dark filling defects inside contrast-filled arteries, and the same scan can reveal alternative diagnoses such as pneumonia, effusion or aortic dissection.
Example: CTPA: saddle embolus with RV/LV ratio 1.4; PE response team paged.
Usage notes
Often ordered as a "PE protocol CT". Pretest probability tools such as the Wells score and PERC rule, together with D-dimer testing, are used first to avoid unnecessary scans. In pregnancy, contrast allergy or severe kidney disease, a V/Q scan may be preferred.
Related abbreviations
More medical imaging abbreviations
- CECT – Contrast-enhanced computed tomography
- CIN – Contrast-induced nephropathy
- CT – Computed tomography
- CTA – Computed tomography angiography
- CTH – Computed tomography of the head
- CTP – Computed tomography perfusion
- CTU – Computed tomography urography
- CXR – Chest X-ray
- DBT – Digital breast tomosynthesis
- DEXA – Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- DICOM – Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
- DSA – Digital subtraction angiography
See all 58 medical imaging abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.