What is the difference between all of the above? It seems like I’m reading a lot about doctor Constantino ordering CTVs. I think I understood that a dynamic neck and head CT scan with contrast is what should be asked for. Am I misunderstanding? Should I be asking about this?
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A CTV looks predominantly at the specific veins in the CTV order to evaluate for compression or other issues. A CTA looks at the specific arteries in the CTA order for the same purpose as a CTV. A dynamic head & neck scan with & without contrast looks at the bony structures, & the veins & arteries in the neck with the head in various positions. If the CTA & CTV aren’t done dynamically, then sometimes compression isn’t obvious. The CT Head & Neck is a more all-encompassing scan but should show what’s important. It will also show your styloids & s-h ligaments especially if it’s done w/ & w/o contrast.
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So, if a person doesn’t know if an arteries involved or a veins involved before they do the test what is the best test to do? Is that where an MRV would come in? Because, the way I’m understanding it, if a CTA is done in the veins are affected it’s not going to show if the CTV is done an arteries affected then it’s not going to show no one wants to have tons of radiation from CAT scans. So, I wonder what is the best one to be done and why Dr Constantino typically orders CTVs? If you know?
I went through this process with Dr. Costantino. It was very confusing to my radiologist as to what Dr. C was looking for. And eventually Dr. C had to get on the phone with them and explain to them what he needed. That was actually after the CTA (was supposed to be CTV!) was already done.
My understanding is the radiologist, have ways of turning up or turning down signals which show different structures. Which is what they did for this case… So that I did not have to go back in and have another test done. Double check me on that but I believe that’s correct.
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Hey, thanks for the information! I sure hope you’re right! No one wants to have to have radiation more than once. CTs have a lot of radiation and should not be taken lately when getting them done.
So I’m curious, in your case, did you or he suspect it was a vain issue more than a artery issue and that’s why he ordered a CTV but you really needed a CTA? This is why I’m hoping I can explain this well at my appointment Thursday so that I get the right thing ordered by him.
Do you remember what you put down for the reason for your visit? I have so many symptoms that I was listing all my symptoms and then I forgot to put down that my chiropractor suggested that I be evaluated for Eagle Syndrome! I’m telling you I can’t think straight sometimes with all this crap going on. I have an email into his MA so hopefully she will let me know how I can add it because I did it online. Mine was a virtual visit. Did you see him in person? Was he able to take care of your situation? Mine seems to be Vascular form.
My understanding is that they can time the scan to see the contrast in the arteries and then the veins…I’m sure Dr Constantino will have an idea from your symptoms whether you need to have the arteries or veins looked at or both.
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That of course is what you would expect but with these doctors sometimes you never know. I hope Dr Constantino is better than the ones I’ve been seeing!
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