Types of Examination in CT

Scan
Body Imaging
• CT scan of the abdomen and/or pelvis is used to evaluate for any
abnormality in the body and can be tailored to a specific organ, such
as: liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, bladder, and adrenal glands.

• CT Colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, uses a low dose

radiation CT scan to obtain an inside view of the colon (large
intestine).
Cardiac Imaging
• A heart CT scan, also called calcium-scoring, is a test used to detect
calcium deposits found in coronary arteries.

CT is one of the most effective ways to detect coronary calcification.

• Your doctor may also order a coronary CT angiogram (CTA) to look

directly at the arteries of the heart.
Chest Imaging
• A CT scan of the chest can look for problems with the lungs, the
heart, the esophagus, the major blood vessel (aorta) or the
surrounding soft tissue structures.

• Low dose CT scans of the chest are used as a screening tool before
symptoms develop.

• Early detection of lung cancer leads to early treatment.

Emergency / Trauma Imaging
• The “Panscan”, known as the whole body scan, is a rapid scan
through multiple areas of the body in a short amount of time. This
type of scan is very specific in finding injured tissue(s) and/or bone(s).
The pan scan includes images of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and
pelvis.
Musculoskeletal Imaging
• A CT scan of the bones may be performed to assess bones, soft
tissues, and joints for damage, lesions, fractures, or other
abnormalities.
• Neuro Imaging
• A CT scan of the head includes images of the brain and skull to
evaluate for headache, dizziness, fainting, weakness, loss of speech,
hearing, or vision, and behavior changes.

• A CT scan of the spine is used to evaluate for a herniated disc or

narrowing of the spinal cord (spinal stenosis) in patients with neck,
arm, leg and/or back pain.
• Tumor Ablation
• With this form of treatment in CT, individual tumors are destroyed
using heat (radiofrequency or microwave ablation) or cold
(cryoablation) techniques.

• This type of therapy is most often performed for tumors involving the
liver, kidney, lung and painful tumors of the bone.

The goal of ablative therapy is complete tumor destruction.

• Vascular Interventional Imaging
• A CT angiogram (CTA) uses contrast (x-ray dye) to provide detailed
pictures of the blood vessels that go to the brain, neck, lungs, heart,
arms, and legs.
• A CTA can show if a vessel is blocked and where the blockage is
located.

• The CTA can also show whether there is a bulge (aneurysm) or a

buildup of fatty material called plaque in a blood vessel.
• Frequently Asked Questions About CT Scans
• What does the Scanner Look like?
• The CT scanner looks like a large doughnut with a narrow table. The
patient lies on the table, which moves through the center of the
machine. The technologist is in the next room and observes the
patient through a large window.
• How long does it take?
• The entire procedure takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on what part
of the body is being scanned.
• Will CT Hurt?
• No. The scanner uses x-rays to see inside your body.
• What should I expect after the CT scan is completed?
• As soon as the exam is over, you can resume normal activity and diet.
• How will I get the result?
• After the scan is finished, one of our board-certified radiologists will
interpret the study and send a report to your doctor within 24 hours
• Is CT scan Safe?
• Yes. A CT scan is considered a safe examination. They are directly
linked to a greater life expectancy and a declining cancer death rate.
• CT Guided Procedure
• A CT-guided procedure may consist of a biopsy, in which a small
sample of tissue from inside your body is obtained using the CT
machine for guidance. This technique will often save you from having
to have an operation to get the same piece of tissue.
• Why is it being done?
• A biopsy is performed because a previous radiology test showed an
abnormality. It is not clear what the abnormal tissue is, and a small
sample of tissue is required to find out.
• Does it hurt?
• We use local anesthesia (like Novocaine at the dentist) for all
biopsies. In certain situations we will administer sedation to make you
sleepy during the test. You will not be completely asleep for this test.
• How long does it take?
• The actual procedure is approximately one hour. You will be observed
in our recovery area by qualified nurses for approximately three hours
after the procedure.
• Do I need to do anything before the procedure?
• Special preparations are required of patients up to one week before
the procedure.
• How do I get the result?
• The specimen obtained from the procedure will be delivered to
pathology where specialized doctors will look at the tissue under a
microscope. They will send the results to your doctor in
approximately three to five days.