What is a CT scan and what is a computed tomography used for?

many people wonder what is a CT The computerized axial tomography (CT) is a diagnostic tool uses x-rays and computer processing to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

Take various cross-sectional images from different angles showing bones, muscles, organs and blood vessels. This information is sent to a computer which, after combining it, generates a 3D image of the scanned area.

What is computed axial tomography used for?

The CT helps the doctor to visualize the internal structures and organs and can be used to diagnose many illnesses and injuries. They are often used to assess the head, thorax, abdomen, and pelvisalthough they can also be used to scan other parts of the body.

Some of the diseases that a CT can detect are:

Lung diseases such as lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, or pneumonia.Diseases in the abdominal cavity such as liver tumors, gallstones, kidney stones or pancreatitis.cardiovascular diseasess such as aortic aneurysms or atherosclerosis.Illnesses in the head or neck such as brain tumors, a stroke, an aneurysm, or sinusitis.Fractures or injuries in the joints.internal injuries in case of car accidents or falls.

In addition to diagnosis, CT is also used to control the progression of diseases such as cancer lung, liver or pancreas, and for guide medical procedures such as biopsies or surgeries.

How is a CT done?

To do the CT scan, you will be asked to lie on your back on a bed, will slowly move towards the scanner (a donut-shaped device). You should be as still as possible to avoid blurring the images. When the test is finished, the bed will come out of the scanner.

In some cases, contrast material may be used (a kind of dye that helps make certain areas visible) during the CT so that the images are more detailed. The contrast can be drunk, administered by intravenous injection, or enema, depending on the type of CT scan and why it is being done.

How to prepare for a CT

Your doctor will tell you how you should prepare for the CT depending on the type of exam you are going to have, but in general:

you shall avoid eating and drinking in the hours before.To perform the test, you must remove all metal objectssuch as watches, jewelry (including piercings), dentures, or hearing aids.

If your CT is with contrastyou will probably have a blood test beforehand and ask about allergies.

How long does a CT last?

The CT scan is not painful and lasts a short time. between 10 and 30 minutesAlthough you should think that the entire procedure (including the preparation) may take a little longer, around an hour.

Once the test is over and the doctor sees that the images are clear enough, you can resume your daily activities without problem.

Is the CT safe?

Although CT is generally considered a safe procedure, exposes the person to ionizing radiation (higher than in the case of traditional x-rays) which can be harmful in high doses. However, the benefits of doing so and, for example, detecting a disease early, often outweigh the risks it may entail.

In general, CT is not recommended for pregnant womendue to the risks of exposing the fetus to ionizing radiation.

What is the difference between an X-ray and a CT scan?

Both x-rays and CT scans use ionizing radiation to create images of the inside of the body. The difference between the two is in how the images are produced and what kind of information they provide.

X-ray uses a single beam of ionizing radiation to produce a 2D image. of the part of the body being examined. Usually they are used for see bones and detect fracturesdislocations or other problems in the bone structure, although they are also used to detect some soft tissue anomalies, such as lung infections or the presence of foreign objects inside the body.

On the other hand, the CT uses a series of X-rays taken from multiple angles. to create a 3D image details of the part of the body being examined. CT scans allow both bone and soft tissue to be seen and are often used to detect abnormalities that cannot normally be seen on an x-raysuch as tumors, infections, or blood clots.

What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?

Both MRI and CT are imaging techniques used to produce images of the inside of the body, but while CT uses X-rays, MRI MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves.

The choice of which one to use depends on the disease being examined:

The MRI does not involve radiation and is preferred for soft tissue examination. CT is most useful for examining the bones, lungs, coronary arteries, and brain.