Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography or CT (sometimes called CAT scan) - Chest

• What is CT Scanning of the Chest?
• What are some common uses of the procedure?
• How should I prepare?
• How does the procedure work?
• Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
• What are the benefits vs. risks?
• What are the limitations of CT Scanning of the Chest?

What is CT Scanning of the Chest?

Computed Tomography or CT scan-sometimes called CAT scan-is a noninvasive exam that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images of the chest that can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT allows much greater clarity of internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels than can be seen with routine X-ray.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Further evaluate abnormalities found on routine chest x-rays.
Help diagnose the cause of symtoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever.
Evaluate injury to the chest.
Demonstate infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Detect lung cancer.
Demonstrate chronic conditions such as emphysema, bronchiectasis or interstitial lung disease.
Diagnose vascular abnormalities such as pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lung vessels) or aortic aneurysm (dilated aorta).

How should I prepare?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure. Metal objects including jewelry may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material or “dye” will be used in your exam. You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, or "dye," you should inform the technoligist and radiologist. It is especially important to notify the staff if you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes or kidney disease as these conditions may affect your response to the contrast material. Women should always inform the technologist and radiologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

How does the procedure work?

With CT scanning, numerous x-ray beams and a set of electronic x-ray detectors rotate around you, measuring the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout your body. At the same time, the examination table is moving through the scanner, so that the x-ray beam follows a spiral path. A special computer program processes this large volume of data to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images of your body, which are then displayed on a monitor. This technique is called helical or spiral CT. CT imaging is sometimes compared to looking into a loaf of bread by cutting the loaf into thin slices or tomograms, hence the name computed tomography. When the image slices are reassembled by computer software, the result is a very detailed multidimensional view of the body's interior.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

A radiologist with special expertise in chest CT examinations will analyze the images and send a signed report to your referring physician who will then discuss the results with you. Results may be available to your referring physician immediately if needed or within the next 24 hours.

What are the benefits vs. risks?

Benefits:

CT is fast, non-invasive, and accurate.
A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and biopsy.

Risks:

The benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs any theoretical risk of radiation exposure.
The risk of serious reaction to contrast material is rare (See Contrast Consent Form in Forms).

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