What is the role of CT angiography in stroke evaluation?

• A. Detects amyloid plaques
• B. Visualizes intracranial vessels to identify occlusions, aneurysms, or vascular malformations to guide therapy
• C. Measures brain tissue death
• D. Evaluates bone integrity of skull

Answer: (B)

CT angiography uses intravenous contrast to illuminate the cerebral arteries, providing a rapid map of vessel patency and anatomy. In acute stroke, this helps determine if a large vessel is occluded and where the blockage lies, which is essential for deciding about endovascular therapy like mechanical thrombectomy within the appropriate time window. It also reveals aneurysms or vascular malformations that could change the treatment plan or safety considerations during intervention.

This imaging modality focuses on vessels, not brain tissue death—that’s better assessed with CT perfusion or diffusion-weighted MRI—and it isn’t used to detect amyloid plaques or to evaluate bone. By showing occlusions, aneurysms, or other vascular abnormalities, CT angiography directly guides therapeutic decisions and risk assessment in stroke care.