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CT - Scan
Provided by Escorts Heart Institute Brought to you by Healthbase
CT (Computed Tomography) is
a diagnostic test that combines the
use of x-rays with computer technology. A series of x-rays beams from
different angles around the body are used to show cross sectional
images of the patient's body. The images so obtained are assembled in
a computer into a three- dimensional picture that can display organs,
bones & tissues in great detail.
In spiral CT the
examination table advances at a constant rate through the scanner
gantry. While the x-ray tube rotates continuously around the patient,
tracing a spiral path through the patient. This spiral path gathers
continuous data with no gaps between images.
CT Angiography
(CTA) is an examination that is used to visualize blood
vessels in
many areas of the body including the brain, kidneys, pelvis and the
arteries serving the lungs. Compared to catheter angiography, which
involves injecting contrast medium into an artery CTA is much less
invasive & a more patient friendly procedure; contrast medium
is
injected into a vein rather than an artery.
Why is it done?
CT imaging offers detailed views of different
types of tissue, including the lung, bones, soft tissues and blood
vessels Using specialized equipment & expert technician to
create
CT scans of the body , radiologists can more easily diagnose problems
such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases ,infectious diseases, trauma
& musculoskeletal disorders.
How is it done?
Patient is asked to change into a gown before
the examination & to remove jewellery, eyeglasses and metal
objects depending on the part of the body that is being scanned.
The CT technician begins by positioning the patient on the CT
table. The patient's body is supported by the safety straps &
is
asked to lie very still and follow the instructions of the technician
while the scanning is being performed. During the scanning, the
technician can see, hear & speak to the patient at all times.
A
CT examination often requires the use of different contrast agents to
enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. The
contrast agent may be injected directly into the blood stream,
swallowed or administered by enema, depending on the type of
examination. Before administering the contrast agent the radiologist
or technician will ask whether the patient has any allergies,
especially to medications, iodine and whether the patient has a
history of diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney problem or
thyroid conditions as these conditions indicate a higher risk of
reaction to the contrast agent. Fortunately with the safety of the
newest contrast agents the adverse effects are very rare.
The
department of Radiodiagnosis & Imaging at EHIRC is well
equipped
to deal any emergency. A CT examination usually takes from 15 minutes
to half an hour. When the exam is over, the patient may be asked to
wait until the images are
examined to determine if more images are needed.
For the CT
Angiography contrast medium is injected into a vein with an automatic
injector machine that controls the timing & rate of injection,
which may continue during part of the time images are recorded.
Afterwards the images are reviewed & some will be repeated, if
necessary. The real work of CT angiography comes after the images are
acquired, when powerful computer programs process the images &
make it possible to display them in different ways.
When it is
done/advised ?
It is done when clinicians prescribe
it after examining patient and going through his/her records. The
radiologists also advise for CT scan when routine x-rays and
ultrasonography fail to provide adequate information. It is better
device for interventional procedures.
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