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2_Computed tomography

Computed tomography (CT) scans are advanced imaging techniques that produce cross-sectional images using X-rays, allowing for detailed visualization of various anatomical structures. CT is particularly effective for assessing soft tissues and is widely used in clinical settings for diagnosing a range of conditions. Recent advancements in CT technology have improved image acquisition and analysis, enabling better visualization and diagnosis through faster scanners and enhanced computer software.

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4 views

2_Computed tomography

Computed tomography (CT) scans are advanced imaging techniques that produce cross-sectional images using X-rays, allowing for detailed visualization of various anatomical structures. CT is particularly effective for assessing soft tissues and is widely used in clinical settings for diagnosing a range of conditions. Recent advancements in CT technology have improved image acquisition and analysis, enabling better visualization and diagnosis through faster scanners and enhanced computer software.

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grandenerea05
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ENGLISH FOR MEDICAL IMAGING - COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Introduction
Computed tomography, more commonly known as "CAT scans" or "CT scans", are cross sectional, two
dimensional gray scale images. They are very commonly used in the practice of clinical medicine.

How Images Are Obtained


CT images use X-rays to
obtain a thin axial image of
the patient - a “slice”. To
obtain CT images, the beam of
X-rays and the X-ray detector
circle around the patient,
continuously producing and
detecting a thin beam of X-
rays that pass through the
patient. This is in contrast to
radiographs, where a
stationary X-ray beam source
and detector are used.

THE CT SCANNER
The patient lies on a table
that slowly moves through a
circular tube, called the
gantry. The gantry houses the
generator that produces the
X-rays as well as a specialized
X-ray detector. The two are located 180 degrees apart from one another. The generator and detector move
in unison around the patient, continuously transmitting a thin beam of X-rays through the patient. The
radiation which is not absorbed by the patient is sensed by the detector and transmitted to a computer.
The data is analyzed and an image produced which represents one "slice" of the patient.
Traditionally, with each 360 degree rotation of the X-ray beam and detector, data is obtained from that
axial section of the patient. The table then moves, and another axial section of the patient is obtained.
With newer CT scanners, the table moves continuously through the gantry, and the generator and detector
continuously circle the patient. As a result, instead of a
single “slice” of the patient being obtained with each
rotation, a continuous helix of data is obtained. A
specialized computer interprets the information from
the detector and transforms it into images, which
represent sequential “slices” of the patient.

Factors Affecting Appearance


CT images are produced with ionizing radiation, similar to radiographs. Therefore, some of the factors
affecting the appearance of the CT images are similar to radiography (for example density).
On CT, the density of a structure, the image display, and the use of IV contrast enhancement are the
main factors affecting the appearance of structures. Shape and thickness do not affect the final CT image as
much as they do in radiographs, since CT images are summations of only thin slices of superimposed
structures.
The data obtained can be displayed (or "windowed") to highlight certain structures. The two chest CT
images shown are from the same set of data at the same level. The top image is displayed in "lung"
windows and the bottom in "soft tissue" windows. Note that lung windows show the lung parenchyma
(small blood vessels, bronchi, and airspaces), but one is unable to distinguish the soft tissue structures well.
Soft tissue windows show the muscles, fat and blood vessels well, but not the lung parenchyma.

What Anatomical Structures Are Well Seen With CT


CT scans display differences between soft tissues that differ in physical density by as little as 1%. Most
anatomic structures are visualized on CT scans, including bone, air, fluid, fat, and soft tissues.
All of these structures are better demonstrated on CT than on radiography. This results from a
combination of factors, including the very sensitive CT detectors that differentiate smaller differences in
densities, the excellent spatial resolution CT affords, and the fact that the images are single "slices" of the
body (while radiographs represent a superimposition of a number of structures).
ABDOMEN
Compare these images of the abdomen. The image on the left is a radiograph and the one on the right is
a CT image of the mid-abdomen. The radiograph shows the bones well, and air within the bowel, however
airless bowel, the individual organs, blood vessels, lymph nodes and other soft tissue structures cannot be
seen. In contrast, the CT shows the individual organs, the bowel that contains air as well as the bowel which
is airless (fluid filled), blood vessels and all of the fat intervening between and around these structures.
Indications for Use of CT
CT is widely used to help diagnose a variety of different problems and symptoms. It is excellent for
evaluating lung parenchyma, as well as soft tissues of the neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. It is also a quick
and relatively inexpensive way to evaluate the brain.
CT can be used as a primary imaging tool to evaluate a patient's symptoms, or can provide additional
information when other tests are inconclusive. CT is currently widely available and easily accessible.

New Technology
Faster CT scanners that can acquire thinner sections, and advances in computer software have
significantly impacted the field of CT. Reformations into any imaging plane are now commonly performed.
This augments visualization of anatomy and aids in diagnosis.

CORONAL REFORMATS
These are coronal reformats of an
abdomen CT. The image on the top shows
the relationship of the heart to the
diaphragm and liver, and the course of the
small and large bowel and mesenteric
blood vessels.

The image on the bottom shows the


relationship of the kidneys to the adrenal
glands, and demonstrates that the kidneys
are located quite posteriorly in the
abdomen; as posterior as the spine, since
they are both seen in this same coronal
section.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY – Questions
1. What is the most important difference between X-rays and CT scans in
how the image is obtained?
2. What is a difference between older and newer CT scanners?
3. What is one of the most important factors to obtain good images of
anatomical structures?
4. What are the parts of the body which are best evaluated with CT
scans?
5. What is an interesting feature of the newest computerized CT
scanners?

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