{"id":2578,"date":"2025-12-27T19:34:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T19:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/?post_type=exames&#038;p=2578"},"modified":"2026-01-30T14:15:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:15:59","slug":"pulmonary-ct-angiography","status":"publish","type":"exames","link":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/ct-tomography\/pulmonary-ct-angiography","title":{"rendered":"Pulmonary CT Angiography"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT angiography is an imaging exam that allows a highly detailed assessment of the pulmonary arteries (the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs). It is a fast exam and particularly useful when pulmonary embolism (pulmonary thromboembolism) is suspected.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Pulmonary CT Angiography and what is it for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT angiography is a Computed Tomography (CT) scan with an angiographic protocol, performed with intravenous iodinated contrast to make blood vessels visible on the images.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is often used to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Detect or rule out pulmonary embolism <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(blood clots in the pulmonary arteries);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Assess pulmonary arterial circulation <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and vascular changes, according to the clinical indication.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the price of Pulmonary CT Angiography?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At NRD, the private price of Pulmonary CT angiography is <\/span><b>\u20ac270<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you may have Pulmonary CT angiography through several agreements, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SNS \/ ARS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: when Pulmonary CT angiography is performed through the SNS, the patient does not pay any amount (you must bring the prescription from the Health Centre, when applicable);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ADSE<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: the patient pays the fee of <\/span><b>\u20ac25<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance providers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: M\u00e9dis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vit\u00f3ria, Una Seguros, among others (the amount varies depending on the policy);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Medicare, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, among others (the amount varies depending on the plan);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protocols<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to have the exam at competitive rates. In the case of Pulmonary CT angiography, the protocol price is \u20ac175.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is it performed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT angiography is performed with the patient lying on a table (bed) that slides into the CT scanner. Iodinated contrast is administered intravenously and, afterwards, sequential images are acquired while the contrast travels through the circulation. The exam takes, on average, 10 to 20 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRD has a latest-generation Philips 128-slice scanner, which provides sharp images with a low radiation dose, ensuring safety and effectiveness in every exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1681 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac.jpg\" alt=\"Pulmonary CT angiography\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it detect?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT angiography can help identify:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary embolism (clots\/emboli in the pulmonary arteries);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in the calibre and course of the pulmonary vessels (obstructions, narrowings), depending on the clinical context;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relevant findings for planning\/follow-up, according to the medical indication.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In which cases is it indicated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT angiography is often requested when there is clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism, for example in situations such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden shortness of breath or unexplained worsening;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain (especially when breathing), cough or coughing up blood;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tachycardia, reduced oxygen saturation and\/or risk factors for thrombosis, according to medical assessment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT Angiography with Contrast<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT angiography is, as a rule, performed with intravenous iodinated contrast. For the exam, a 4-hour fast is usually required (confirmed at the time of booking).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The contrast injection may cause a temporary warm sensation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although rare, allergic reactions to contrast can occur. To prevent complications, it is essential to inform the team if you have known allergies (to medicines, foods, etc.), asthma, allergic rhinitis, or previous reactions to contrast agents. This type of allergy or other allergic conditions may increase the risk of contrast reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation for Pulmonary CT Angiography<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Guidance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam prescription (paper copy)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must bring the exam prescription in paper format.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the exam will be performed with contrast, you should fast for 4 hours. If the exam is performed without contrast, fasting is not necessary.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arriving early<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, you only need to arrive 15 minutes before the exam, except in cases where oral contrast will be used. In this case, you should arrive 1 to 2 hours before the exam (you will be informed at the time of booking).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous exams<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring any relevant previous exams.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous medical history<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be aware of your previous medical history regarding allergies, cardio-respiratory and kidney diseases, and your usual medication.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If needed or if you wish, you may drink water.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRD will provide you with all instructions at the time of booking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instructions during the exam<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To ensure the best image quality and that the exam is completed quickly, it is important to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Remain still during image acquisition;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u25cf Follow breathing instructions (you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds);<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u25cf Remove metal objects that may interfere with the exam (for example, jewellery, glasses, hearing aids and dentures, when applicable).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When and how do you receive the results?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will receive the results within up to 7 days after the exam, by email or on paper at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will take the CD with the images with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to have it done?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary CT angiography can be performed at NRD, at the following address:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n\u00ba 11-B, ground floor, 1070 \u2013 060 Lisbon (near Pra\u00e7a de Espanha)<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":1904,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-2578","exames","type-exames","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/2578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/exames"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/1904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}