Imaging Tests for PAD

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Imaging tests for PAD
	Ultrasound	CT Angiogram	MR Angiogram	Contrast Angiogram
Radiation?	No	Yes	No	Yes
Injected Dye?	No	Yes (iodine)	Yes (gadolinium*)	Yes
Magnetic Field?	No	No	Yes	No
Invasive?	No	No	No	Yes
Enclosed Space?	No	No	Yes	No
Time	Up to 2 hours	30 min or less	Up to 1 hour	30 to 45 min
Accuracy	Slightly less accurate than other tests, Less reliable in lower legs	More detailed than ultrasound and MRA, Less established than MRA	More detailed than ultrasound, Poses risk in women with metal implants (pacemaker, ICD)	Most accurate but carries risks
*Less likely to cause an allergic reaction or kidney damage than iodine dye, but still carries risks

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