Medical Abbreviation
CTA
CTA is a medical abbreviation with more than one meaning. Its meaning depends on the clinical context.
What does CTA mean?
| Meaning | Context | Field |
|---|---|---|
| Clear To Auscultation | Physical examination | When listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, CTA means the lungs sound clear, with no abnormal sounds such as crackles or wheezes. It is often written CTA bilaterally, meaning both lungs are clear. |
| Computed Tomography Angiography | Radiology | A type of CT scan that uses contrast dye to look at blood vessels, for example to check for a blood clot in the lungs or narrowed arteries. |
Why it matters
CTA has more than one meaning. In examination notes it usually means Clear To Auscultation (the lungs sound clear), but in radiology it means Computed Tomography Angiography, a type of scan. Always check the context.
Related abbreviations
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources and supervisors for clinical decisions.