What Kinds of Vessels Are Normal on a CT Chest?

A CT scan of the blood vessels of the chest, medically known as a computerized tomography angiogram, can detect normal and abnormal arteries and veins. A CT scan combines sophisticated computer technology with X-ray equipment to produce multiple images, in cross-sections, of the inner organs or vessels. In addition to the network of vessels, the chest, or thoracic, cavity contains the heart, lungs and airways. Normal or healthy vessels are free of detrimental conditions, such as aneurysms, atherosclerosis and venous blood clots.

Blood Vessels

• The chest cavity contains a network of arteries, veins and capillaries -- elastic, tube-like vessels that transport blood. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood pumped from the heart into the body, and veins return de-oxygenated blood to the heart. Capillaries, the smallest vessels, connect arteries and veins. The chest contains some of the dominant vessels transporting blood: the aorta, with blood from the heart; the pulmonary artery and vein, with blood to and from the heart; and the superior vena cava, with blood from the head, neck and arms.

Aneurysm

• One of the things normal vessels will be free of is an aneurysm. Aneurysms are swellings, ballooning or bulges which appear on the wall of any vessel, but are most common in the aorta, the artery carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart. Although a small aneurysm isn't particularly harmful, it can lead to very serious problems, such as deposits of plaque (fat and calcium), blood clots and even a rupture in the vessel wall.

Atherosclerosis

• Another condition normal chest vessels won't contain is atherosclerosis, deposits of plaque inside its walls. Over time, these deposits accumulate, narrow the vessel and slow the blood flow. Gradually, inadequate amounts of blood are sent to tissues, a condition known as ischemia. Such blockage in the coronary (heart) arteries can cause chest pain (angina) and even lead to a heart attack.

Venous Blood Clots

• A CT scan of normal vessels will reveal no blood clotting in the veins. Blood clots in the veins can be caused by long periods of immobility, such as bed-rest, as well as by injuries and infections. They can also be caused by pregnancy and such hormones as estrogen and birth control pills, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Such a clot can break free of a vein and travel to the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism.