CT Scanning (CAT Scanning)

Computed tomography (CT) imaging, also known as "CAT scanning" (computed axial tomography), was developed in the early to mid 1970s and is now widely available throughout the world. A fast, patient-friendly procedure, CT can image a combination of soft tissue, bone and blood vessels. CT has become the imaging backbone of most busy departments and diagnostic centers. Since its debut some 25 years ago, CT imaging has seen massive advances in technology and performance, enabling greater accuracy in the diagnosis of disease and pathology than ever before.

The CT procedure

A CT scan uses a digital computer together with a rotating X-ray device to create a detailed cross-sectional image or "slice" of organs and body parts such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, pelvis, extremities, brain, spine and blood vessels. For many patients, CT scans can be performed on an outpatient basis without requiring admittance to the hospital.

Using CT results

CT is one of the best tools for studying the lungs and abdomen. It also is an invaluable tool in the cancer diagnosis process and is often the preferred method for diagnosing lung, liver and pancreatic lesions. CT imaging and CT angiography are finding a greater role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, neuro ischemia and vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, gangrene or kidney failure. CT has excellent application in trauma cases and other emergencies as well.

CT is used extensively for diagnosing problems of the inner ear and sinuses because of its ability to generate very high-resolution images. The anatomy of the inner ear and sinuses is made up of delicate soft tissue structures and very fine bones. CT is excellent for imaging tumors or polyps in the sinuses and disease that causes degeneration of the small bones in the inner ear.

For further information on CT scans

For further information on CT scans, please call (217) 544-6464, ext 44788 or 55606