CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan, also known as a CAT scan, is a medical imaging technique that combines multiple X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It provides more detailed information than a standard X-ray and is particularly useful for examining complex structures like the brain, chest, abdomen, and bones.
In a CT scan, the patient lies on a motorized table that moves through a circular opening in the CT scanner. The scanner contains an X-ray tube and detectors that rotate around the body, taking multiple X-ray images from various angles. These images are then processed by a computer to create cross-sectional images, or “slices,” of the body. These slices can be combined to form 3D images for a comprehensive view of the internal structures.
CT scans are widely used in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Trauma and Emergency: They are crucial in detecting injuries such as fractures, internal bleeding, and organ damage, especially in trauma cases.
- Cancer Detection and Monitoring: CT scans can identify and assess the size, location, and spread of tumors. They are also used for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Neurological Imaging: CT scans are essential in detecting brain conditions such as strokes, brain tumors, or bleeding in the brain.
- Cardiovascular Health: CT angiography is used to assess the heart and blood vessels for conditions like coronary artery disease or aneurysms.
- Abdominal and Pelvic Conditions: They are useful in detecting infections, tumors, kidney stones, and other disorders in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines.
While CT scans provide highly detailed images and are invaluable in diagnosing various conditions, they involve a higher dose of radiation than traditional X-rays. Therefore, their use is carefully evaluated, especially in sensitive populations like pregnant women and children. Advances in technology have also led to the development of low-dose CT scans that aim to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining image quality.
