CT Angiography of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery — With or Without Intravenous Contrast
A CT scan used to examine the deep inferior epigastric artery and nearby blood vessels, sometimes with IV contrast to show blood flow more clearly.
["This imaging test helps evaluate the deep inferior epigastric artery for narrowing, blockage, or unusual anatomy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87850-4
- Short code
- CTA Deep inf epigastric a WO+W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CTA Deep inf epigastric a WO+W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct-angio
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a CT-based angiographic study of the deep inferior epigastric artery, a blood vessel that runs along the lower abdominal wall. Intravenous contrast may be used to make the artery and other blood vessels easier to see.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered to assess blood flow, investigate symptoms that could be related to reduced circulation, identify an abnormal vessel, or guide a procedure or surgery involving the artery.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a CT table while the scanner takes images of the abdomen and pelvis. If contrast is used, it is usually given through a vein in your arm, and the scan may include images taken before and after the contrast is administered.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the imaging center's instructions about eating, drinking, and medications. Tell the care team if you have had a reaction to iodinated contrast, have kidney disease, are pregnant or may be pregnant, or take medications that may affect contrast use.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate narrowing, blockage, swelling, or an unusual course of the deep inferior epigastric artery. The results can also help assess nearby blood vessels and may be used to plan vascular or reconstructive surgery. Your clinician will interpret the images together with your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
Short name
Deep inferior epigastric artery CTA
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine abdominal CT?
Why might IV contrast be added?
Will I need to stay in the imaging center afterward?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy