Computed Tomography (CT)

Procedure Description:

What is a CT Scan?

A CT (computed tomography) scan is a noninvasive medical test that uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied.

CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams.

During the scan, a thin beam of x-ray is focused on a specific part of your body. The x-ray tube moves very rapidly around this area, enabling multiple images to be made from different angles to create a cross-sectional picture. A computer analyzes the information and constructs an image for our radiologists to interpret.

Common uses

CT scanning is commonly used to diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. Your radiologist will decide if a contrast agent (contrast agents highlight your organs and blood vessels and help our radiologists see them better. In the past, most contrast agents contained higher levels of iodine. The new contrast agents available today have lower iodine content, which greatly reduces the chance of an allergic reaction and most of the discomforts associated with the injection). For some CT’s the contrast agent can enhance the CT scan results.

CT imaging is one of the best and fastest tools for studying areas of the body and head as it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue. It is often the preferred method for diagnosing many different cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer, since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue. It is also used to stage, plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors as well as monitor response to chemotherapy.

CT imaging is an examination that plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. CT is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung vessels) as well as for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

CT can often be invaluable in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels. Physicians often use the CT examination to quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, bowel or other internal organs in cases of trauma.

Our radiologists use CT to guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages and minimally invasive tumor treatments. We work with surgeons and review CT’s to plan for and assess the results of surgery, such as organ transplants or gastric bypass.