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Computerized Tomography (CT) ScanComputerized Tomography (CT) Scan

What is Computed Tomography?

CT (computed tomography), also called a CAT scan, uses sophisticated x-ray technique and computer equipment to produce high resolution, finely detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CT imaging is useful because it can show several types of tissues, such as lung, bone, soft tissues, internal organs and blood vessels. This allow us to diagnose many conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

What are some common uses of CT?

  • Studying a wide variety of noncancerous conditions in the chest and abdomen and pelvis.
  • Diagnosing many different types of cancers. CT examinations can not only identify tumors but are also often used to:
    • Guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures
    • Plan surgery
    • Plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors
    • Assess the response to surgical and/or radiation therapy treatment
  • Diagnose skeletal disorders
  • Measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis
  • Identify injuries to the skeletal system, liver, spleen, kidneys, or other internal organs in the setting of trauma
  • Detect and diagnose vascular diseases

How should I prepare for a CT scan?

  • On the day of your exam, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Avoid clothing with zippers and snaps as metal objects can affect the image
  • Depending on the part of the body that is being scanned, you may also be asked to remove hair pins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any dentures
  • You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for one or more hours before the exam
  • Women should inform their doctor or CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant

What should I expect during this exam?

A CT examination usually takes half an hour.

  • The technologist positions you comfortably on the CT table and special pillows are used to help keep you still and in the proper position during the scan. The table will move slowly into the CT scanner opening. Depending on the area of the body being examined, the increments of movement may be very small and almost undetectable, or large enough to feel the motion.
  • To enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels, use of different contrast materials may be required. Depending on the type of examination, contrast material may be injected through an IV, swallowed or administered by enema (rectally). Before administering the contrast material, you should inform the radiologist or technologist of the following:
    • Any allergies, especially to medications or iodine
    • A history of diabetes, asthma, kidney, cardiac or thyroid conditions
  • You will be alone in the room during your scan, however your technologist can see, hear and speak with you at all times
  • To determine if more images are needed, you may be asked to wait until the images are reviewed

What will I experience during the procedure?

CT scanning is painless. Depending on the type of scan you are having, your preparation may differ. To enhance the visibility of body tissue or blood vessels, use of different contrast materials may be administered by:

  • Mouth: You may be asked to swallow water or contrast material, a liquid that allows the radiologist to better see the stomach, small bowel and colon. Some patients find the taste of the contrast material slightly unpleasant, but tolerable.
  • Enema: For a study of the colon, your exam may require the administration of the contrast material by enema. You will experience a sense of abdominal fullness and may feel an increasing need to expel the liquid. The discomfort is generally mild.
  • IV injection: To accentuate the appearance between normal and abnormal tissue in organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Also, to better define the blood vessels, a contrast material is commonly injected into a vein. You might feel:
    • Flushed or have a metallic taste in your mouth. These are common reactions which disappear in a minute or two.
    • A mild itching sensation. If the itching persists or is accompanied by hives, it can be easily treated with medication.
    • In very rare cases, you may experience shortness of breath or swelling in the throat or other parts of the body. These can be indications of a more serious reaction to the contrast material. Your technologist should be notified immediately.

For more information on this topic, please visit  www.Radiologyinfo.org.

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