What is a CT Scan?
CT scan ( also known as CAT scan , computerized tomography scan , computerized axial tomography scan ) is an imaging test , which uses a compounding of ten - beam images and data processor to render cross - sectioned epitome of the consistence . CT scan was develop by Dr. Alan Cormack and Sir Godfrey Hounsfield ; and in 1979 they both were together with awarded the Nobel Prize for their work . Today the CT scan has become an important tool for name and detecting many medical precondition .
In CT scan , a combination of a series of XTC - ray figure are taken from various angles of the dead body and figurer processing is used to develop transversal - sectional images or slice of the blood vessels , bones and soft tissues within the soundbox . CT scan help get more elaborate information than Adam - beam of light . CT scan is especially beneficial in immediate examination of masses who may have sustained home wound from injury / trauma or car accidents . A CT scan helps in visualize almost all the parts of the soundbox . This test also helps in diagnosing any trauma or disease and is beneficial in planning the eccentric of treatment the patient needs ( aesculapian , radiation therapy or operative treatment ) . CT is scan is also one of the most commonly done imaging tests . This is a safe , noninvasive and well - tolerate test .
What Is Meant By Cross-Sectional Images? How Does CT Scan Help By Generating Cross-Sectional Images?
A good verbal description of how the CT scan helps in visual image of the body is how , if a person who want to look inside a loaf of pelf , does so by slice the bread loaf . Similarly , images grow by CT scan helps the medico to visualize the interior of the body where grouchy - sectioned pictures or icon ( slices ) of the organic structure are taken . CT scans are normally used to appraise the interior structures of the genius , spine , neck , pectus , abdomen , sinuses and pelvis .
CT scan as note before generates cross - sectional images of the body which appears as the body as open up and allows the doctor to look at it from the inside . CT scan employ x - rays and computer to produce images of the part of the body , which is being glance over . CT scans are beneficial in evaluate soft tissues and abdominal organs to help detect subtle abnormalities , which may not be seen on regular x - ray .
CT scan , when it was invented , had whole change the way a disease was name as the Dr. could see sure injury , or diseases , which previously could only be seen when the patient was trim down unfastened either during surgery or autopsy . CT scan provides images , which are highly elaborated of different parts of the body .
Why is CT Scan Done?
CT scan is often done for further assessment of an abnormalcy that was initially detected or suspected during another test , such as an sonography or x - shaft of light . CT scan is also done to assess the spread of Crab in a patient . A CT scan can be done to study all part of the consistence , which include chest of drawers , abdomen , arms , legs , pelvis ; internal organs such as heart , lung , liver , intestine , pancreas , vesica , kidney and adrenal secreter . CT scan also help in studying and in close review of the bones , line watercraft and the spinal cord .
CT scan of the Brain or Head is done to assess the interior structures of the psyche to await for an area of bleeding , mass , stroke or any mental defectiveness in the blood vas . CT scan of the head can also be done to front at the skull .
CT scan of the Neck or neck CT is done to look at the soft tissues of the neck opening and to read a mass or lump in the neck . CT scan of the cervix can also be done to look for lymph node enlargement or magnified glands .
CT scan of the Chest ( Thorax ) is done to further contemplate an abnormality or a problem that is detected on a plain chest X - ray . Chest CT can also be done to expect for magnified lymph nodes , trouble with the heart , aorta , esophagus , lung and tissues present in the chest . Some of the rough-cut problem which can be detect or diagnosed with the help of chest CT scan include pulmonic aneurism , pulmonary intercalation , lung transmission , lung cancer and to stop the spread of the cancer from lungs to other share of the body .
CT scan of Sinuses is done to diagnose sinus diseases , as well as to detect obstacle or narrowing in the sinus drain pathway .
CT scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis is done to wait at the abdominal and pelvic electric organ , which let in liver , irascibility , pancreas , kidneys , and adrenal glands along with also looking at the gastrointestinal tract . CT scan of pelvis and abdomen is also done to count for the campaign of pain or to closely see at an irregularity that has been detected on another tryout , such as ultrasound . Pelvic CT run down in a woman consists of expect at ovaries , uterus and fallopian metro . Pelvic CT scan in a man consists of looking at the germinal vesicles and the prostate gland gland . Some of the common problem , which can be detected or name with an abdominal or pelvic CT scan , include abscesses , cysts , aneurism , contagion , tumors , extraneous objects , enlarged lymph lymph gland , bleeding in the abdomen , seditious bowel disease , diverticulitis , appendicitis , ectopic gestation etc .
CT scan of the Spine is unremarkably done to diagnose a herniated disc or spinal stenosis ( narrowing of the spinal duct ) , specially in affected role who have arm , neck , branch , and/or back annoyance . Spinal CT scan is also done to discover fracture or a pause in the spikelet .
CT scan of the Urinary Tract System consist of expect at the kidneys , ureters and bladder . This type of CT scan is known as CT Urogram or CT KUB and helps in detecting vesica stones , kidney Isidor Feinstein Stone and urinary tract blockage .
CT scan of the Arm or Leg is done to look for job such as fracture etc . in the shoulder , wrist , cubital joint , helping hand , knee , pelvis , mortise joint , or base .
What are the Risks of CT Scan?
CT scan is a secure , non - encroaching and a very humble - endangerment procedure . The patient role gets expose to irradiation while undergo the CT scan , but this radiation therapy is of a safe layer . Some of the likely risks or concerns with a CT scan consist of :
Allergic reaction to the Contrast Dye : The primary possible risk of infection with a CT scan is when a dividing line dyestuff is used which is given by injectant . This line dyestuff is given to help signalise abnormal tissues and normal tissues more clear . The dyestuff also helps in differentiate blood vessel from other social structure , such as lymph nodes . Just as a person can develop an allergic reaction to a medication , similarly they can also recrudesce serious allergic response to a contrast dyestuff used in CT scan . affected role who are at an increased jeopardy for an allergic reaction from a demarcation yield during a CT scan need to undergo especial pretreatment and the test needs to be done in a infirmary setting . patient role having previous account of a severe allergic chemical reaction to other medication or of line reaction or if they suffer from emphysema or asthma or have severe inwardness disease are at a higher risk for a induce an sensitized reaction from a contrast dyestuff used in CT scan . Other than the allergic chemical reaction , the endovenous demarcation dye used in CT scan can also potentially damage kidney , especially if the patient has preexist modest kidney disease . For this intellect , the patient is tell to fuddle slew of fluids so that the dye gets easy flushed out of their system .
leak of the Dye : Whenever an injection is given into a vein , there is a risk of exposure of leak of the contrast outdoors of the nervure and beneath the skin . In compositor’s case of leakage of large amount of demarcation dyestuff under the skin , there can be break down of the tegument ; however , this happen rarely .
Breastfeeding : If the patient is wet-nurse then she should confab her doctor about it . allot to experts , there is very less amount of dye that passes into the breast milk . If necessary , the affected role can hive away some of the breast Milk River before the CT scan and use it the following day .
Diabetes & Metformin : If the patient is diabetic and takes Glucophage then the contrast dye in the CT scan can have some problems . The patient will be recite when to stop taking metformin and when to start take it again or about any dose adjustments which are needed .
Cancer : There is a very modest risk of getting cancer from sure types of CT scan . This peril is higher in children , young someone , and those the great unwashed who need to undergo various other radiation syndrome tests .
What Should One Do To Prepare For A CT Scan?
Patients who are supposed to have a contrast injection during CT scan should not eat or wassail anything for some minute before the CT scan is done , as the contrast dye can cause stomach upset . An IV is insert into the patient role ’s arm just before the scan so that contrast can be expire to the eubstance via the IV .
It is also important to fuddle an oral contrast agent , which contains dilute barium before majority of the CT scans of pelvis and stomach are done . Dilute barium facilitate in clearly discover the gastrointestinal piece of ground , which lie of tum , small and big intestine , help in find abnormalities present in any of these organs , and also helps in differentiate these social organization from other structures present inside the abdomen .
CT Scan Procedure: What Happens During The CT Scan?
Majority of the CT scan are done as an outpatient procedure and do not postulate hospital care . Patient can go home after the test is done . The CT scanner envision cristal - rays throughout the area of the body , which needs to be scan . With each revolution of the scanner , there is genesis of a flimsy slicing of the area or the organ , which gets scan . All these slices or image are saved on the calculator and can later be publish . The contrast dyestuff can also be placed into other parts of the body such as a joint or the rectum for envision those areas better . Sometimes , the patient role needs to drink the dye , which facilitate in well-off and clearer visualization of the electric organ and structures .
The radiologist or a technician is present in an adjacent way and observes the patient through a large ice windowpane . The patient can interact with the radiologist via a two - manner intercommunication system if need be .
What Does The CT Scanner Look Like?
The CT scanner look like a grown donut and it has a narrow-minded tabular array present in its centre . During MRI scan , the affected role is place inside the tunnel of the digital scanner and can finger claustrophobic ; whereas in CT scan , the patient rarely feels claustrophobic due to the nakedness of the doughnut shape of the CT scanner . During a CT scan , the affected role is severalize to dwell on his / her back on the table . This board then passes through the center of the machine . Depending on the part of the body being scanned , the affected role can overstep through the scanner , either steer first or feet first . For some scans , such as CT scan of the middle auricle and the sinus , the patient has to lie on his / her venter and slide by through head first .
What Does The Patient Need To Do During A CT Scan?
The patient needs to continue firm or still during the process of the CT scan , which commonly consists of a few minute of arc . The image scanner make a motion around the patient taking images and patient role has to lie motionless . In some font , the affected role is secern to hold their breath for about 20 second . Patient should not wear any metal during the CT scan and has to remove anything metal , such as jewellery before the CT scan .
What Should Patient Wear During A CT Scan?
The type of clothing of the patient role also depends on the nature of the survey that is being done . If the CT scan of a drumhead is being done , then patient can remain in his / her normal street clothes during the scan . However , patient postulate to wear off a infirmary gown if the CT scan is done of the chest , abdomen or pelvis .
Does The Patient Need Any Sedative Before The CT Scan?
Patient usually does not need any character of sedation , as the simple machine is placid and patient only hears a hushed whir or a click as the board and scanner move during the procedure . In some cases , the patient can get anxious or uneasy and may want a sedative to relax before undergoing CT scan .
What Is The Duration Of The CT Scan?
The entire procedure of the CT scan includes set - up of the machine , the scan itself , looking at the range of a function , and removal of the IV if required and it study about 15 to 45 minutes depending on the part of the organic structure being scanned . The actual CAT scan itself claim only a few moment but the whole process of setting up the CAT scan till the remnant take aim about 30 to 45 minutes on an norm .
How Does The Patient Feel During The CT Scan?
A cite antecedently , CT scan is a well - abide psychometric test . The patient role does not feel any pain in the neck during CT scan . The table , on which the affected role is consist , is felt as nerveless and hard . The way where the CT scan takes situation may also be nerveless . Patient may find it unmanageable to lie still during the test and may fidget or get restless ; however , it is authoritative to make no drive during this trial . Some patients incline to feel nervous inside the CT scanner and may need to be given a sedative to help them relax . If an IV dyestuff is used , then the patient may feel a pinch or a sting where the IV phonograph needle has been started . The dyestuff can make the patient feel warm and flushed . It can also give the patient a metallic taste in the back talk . There are some affected role who may find nauseous or may get a worry . It is of import to tell the doctor how you find .
What Happens After The CT Scan Is Done?
After the completion of the CT scan , the IV of the dividing line injectant is murder from the arm . Patient is watch over for any ill effects from the contrast injection or the CAT scan itself . Rarely , patient may be given sedation and will be kept in the hospital for sometime before being sent home and that too only after they are amply alert and alert ; but then also patient needs a caretaker to drive him / her safely to home .
Who Interprets the CT Scan?
A radiologist , who is a doctor specialise in interpreting various imagery studies , interprets or psychoanalyze the CT scan . After which the results of the CT scan are then forwarded to the patient ’s consult doctor .
What Are The Symptoms Of The Allergic Reaction To The Contrast Dye Given During CT Scan?
If the patient role experiences an supersensitized reaction to the line dyestuff , then it commonly always occurs immediately . It is very uncommon for the affected role to have a reaction after leave the hospital . In cases where the affected role feel that he / she is developing a delayed reaction to the contrast dye , then they should immediately refer the hospital where they have had the CT scan .
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to the line dyestuff given during CT scan consist of difficulty in breathing , itching and trouble in swallowing . If there is leakage of contrast under the pelt , then the skin would seem red with pain and protuberance . Patients usually will be tell to make out the next twenty-four hours to the hospital to get their pelt check . CT scan itself does not consist of any side effects ; however , if the patient role is supposed to have multiple CT scans , then it is important to discuss this with their physician regarding the degree of radiation photo from the various CT scan .
What Other Purposes Is CT Scan Used For?
Other than looking or generating cross - sectioned images of the internal organs and tissues , a CT CAT scan can also be done to ensure that a particular operation is done in the correct manner . For representative , CT scan can be done to help channelize the MD when passing the acerate leaf during a tissue biopsy . With the help of the CT scan , the doctor can see where to place the phonograph needle and in which counsel to travel by the acerate leaf to collect the sample for biopsy . CT scan can also be done to guide the right phonograph needle placement for drainage of an abscess . CT scan is also done to watch the staging of the cancer by assessing the extent of the malignant neoplastic disease .
What Questions Does The Doctor Ask The Patient Before A CT Scan?
The doctor or the radiologist needs to ask the patient some questions before getting the CT scan done :
What Do The Results Of The CT Scan Mean? What Does A Normal/Abnormal CT Scan Look Like?
Results of CT scan may be available on the same day or within a mean solar day or two .
Normal CT scan : The ancestry vessel and pipe organ are normal in material body , size of it , and localization . There is no stoppage in any stock vessels . There are no foreign target such as glass shard or metallic element visualize . A normal CT scan will not consist of any growths ( tumors ) , infection or inflammation . There is no haemorrhage seen within any of the structures or nor are there any collections or air hole of fluid present .
unnatural CT scan : In an unnatural CT scan , the organ project appear too lowly or too large . There can be harm or infection of the organ . Abscesses or cysts may also be present . There can also be comportment of foreign objects ( such as glass fragments or metal ) visualized in the images of the CT scan . If the patient has gallstone or kidney stone , then they can be seen clearly on the CT scan . If any tumors are present in the lungs , colon , liver , ovaries , vesica , kidney , pancreas or adrenal secreter then they can be easily seen . CT scan of the thorax can display pneumonic embolism / aneurism , contagion or fluid in the lungs if present . Blockage if present in the gall duct or intestines can be seen . Abdominal CT scan can reveal diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease , if present . One or more blood vessels can be draw a blank . There can be enlargement of lymph nodes seen in an unnatural CT scan . Fracture , tumors , or infection can be visualized in the arm or leg or other regions .
What Factors Affect The CT Scan?
The take after factors can hold back the affected role from undergo a CT CAT scan or can exchange the results of the CT scan
Revolution of CT Scan
CT scanners were first installed in 1974 and since them have undergone vast melioration in terms of comfort of the patient and also duration of the scan , where it takes very petty clock time when liken to before , along with bring out higher - solution images , which help in attain a more definite diagnosing . A in force deterrent example is small tumors or nodules , which can be miss on an x - ray , but can be escort clearly on a CT scan .
What Are Special Or The Latest CT Scanners And What Are Their Benefits Over Old CT Scanners?
coiling ( helical ) CT scanner and multi - slice ( or multi - detector ) CT electronic scanner are special and latest CT digital scanner . Most of the advanced scanners are multi - slice digital scanner . These special CT scanners avail in :
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