Computed tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT)/multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to form images of the inside of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, internal organs, and blood vessels.

How is CT imaging performed?

A CT scan is a more accurate and detailed imaging technique than standard X-rays. To make this clearer, it is important to understand that in standard X-rays, the beam is directed toward the part of the body being examined, while in CT scanning, the X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows for many different views of the same organ and therefore, this type of imaging provides much more detail. Data generated with X-ray imaging is sent to a computer that interprets the data and displays it in two-dimensional form on a monitor, with the possibility of forming three-dimensional reconstructions.

CT scanning is widely appliedin examining different parts of the body.

• Diagnosing injuries: CT scans are very effective in detecting and evaluating traumatic injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, spine, and musculoskeletal system, including fractures, internal bleeding, and tissue damage.
• Detectingpathology in various organs: CT scans can identify abnormalities such as tumors, infections, cysts, and inflammatory conditions in organs such as the brain, lungs, liver, pancreas, and kidneys.
• CT-guided procedures: CT scanning is used to guide minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies, needle aspirations, drain placement, and tissue sampling, ensuring precise targeting and safety.
• Monitoring treatment: CT scanning has a key role in monitoring the response to treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical procedures.

What are the indications for CT scanning?

The following are the most common indications for CT scanning:

•The head and brain: CT scans are used to evaluate head injuries and brain tumors, detect bleeding in the brain, diagnose strokes, and detect abnormalities in the skull or facial bones.
• Chest: A CT scan helps diagnose lung conditions, such as pneumonia, lung cancer, and pulmonary embolism. It also helps in the evaluation ofcardiac and vascular abnormalities, as well as in detecting chest injuries.
• Abdomen and pelvis: CT scans are valuable in evaluating abdominal organs (liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and intestines), detecting tumors, evaluating gastrointestinal disorders, and identifying the cause of abdominal pain.
• Spine and musculoskeletal system: CT scanning provides detailed images of the spine, vertebrae, joints, and soft tissues, helping to diagnose spinal injuries, degenerative conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Preparing for a CT scan

Before undergoing a CT scan, it is important to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor on how to prepare for this procedure.

If your doctor finds it necessary, they may request the use of a contrast agentduringthe CT examination. The contrast agent increases the probabilityofdetecting certain abnormalities, as well as of more precisely determining the nature of the observed abnormality. If you have problems with kidney function, inform your doctor in advance, as iodine-based contrast should not be administered to you. For this reason, before the CT imaging, the doctor will refer you for blood tests to determine thelevels of urea and creatinine in the blood in order to establish whether these are within the reference values, as well as to assess whether the kidney function is adequate. In patients who are allergic to iodine, the contrast agent can lead to serious allergic reactions, therefore, before the examination, you will fill out a form providing the necessary information about the type of medicine and food to which you had previously displayed an allergic reaction, if applicable.

Before the examination, you can usually eat and drink normally, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you are taking regular therapy for a chronic disease, inform your doctor about it. Some drugs, such as oral medication for the treatment of diabetes, can interact with the iodine contrast agent and put an additional burden on the function of the kidneys.

By following these preparation steps and communicating all relevant medical information to your doctor, you can ensure safe and effective CT scanning.

How is a CT examination performed?

Upon your arrival to the CT scan room, the technician will place you on the movable scan table of the CT machine. You will be asked to lie down and be still during the entire imaging process so that the quality of the image is not affected.

If a contrast agenthas been prescribed for your imaging procedure, it will be administered intravenously. Some patients, when the contrast is injected, have mild and short-lasting side effects. It is important to stress that symptoms such as feeling your skin turn red, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a short-lasting headache, or nausea are completely normal and transient.

After activating the device, the technician relocates to another, adjacent room, from where theycontrol the entire imaging process. When the scanning starts, the scanner will rotate around you, which is, in fact, the moment when the X-rays pass through your body.

The MD Clinic performs MSCT scanning using the latest technology and devices which have a minimal emission of X-rays without any harmful effect on the human body. This is why this type of scan is extremely safe, so we also use it for screening tests in asymptomatic healthy people, such as the CT screening test for lung cancer. To prevent side effects in the patient, the minimum dose of radiation necessary to appropriately perform the examination is always applied.

What can you expect after a CT scan?

After the CT scan, you can go about your day as usual. You need to know the following:

• If a contrast agent was used during the procedure, it is important to monitor your overall physical status, in order to detect any allergic reaction to the contrast or potential side effects such as itching, swelling, a rash, or difficulty breathing. In case of side effects, inform your doctor about this so that you can receive the appropriate treatment in time.