CT

Our CT scanner

Computed tomography is an X-ray method for examining internal organs. CT shows dense structures (bones), solid organs, hollow organs (the gastrointestinal tract) and air-filled organs (the lungs). Modern scanners allow fine control of exposure and signal acquisition, so CT also visualises soft tissues that are “invisible” on plain X-rays, such as the brain.

Multislice CT (MSCT) captures the X-rays passing through the body on several rows of detectors at once using a volumetric beam. A large area is scanned simultaneously, the procedure takes just seconds and the radiation dose is considerably lower.

We operate a 64-slice Philips Brilliance multislice CT scanner (image reconstruction up to 128 slices) with a latest-generation workstation for accurate post-processing.

The scanner is equipped with a MEDRAD Stellant automatic injector for intravenous bolus contrast studies. Combined with modern contrast agents, this enables multiphase examinations — the gold standard in today’s diagnostic imaging of arterial aneurysms and stenoses and venous thrombosis. The method is indispensable for early diagnosis of cancer, inflammatory disease and acute surgical conditions.

Advantages of MSCT

• Highest image resolution, revealing even minimal changes in internal organs.
• Speed. Chest, abdomen and retroperitoneum are scanned in a single 7–12-second breath-hold — especially important for children, patients in severe pain or with limited mobility, heart or respiratory failure, or claustrophobia.
• Advanced post-processing: 2D and 3D images of organs, vessels, bones and joints, essential in vascular surgery, neurosurgery, neurology, trauma and orthopaedics, thoracic, abdominal and maxillofacial surgery and urology.

Is CT safe?

CT uses X-rays and therefore involves a radiation dose. The design of our scanner substantially reduces that dose. The number of permissible examinations is decided by the radiologist, taking into account previous procedures, the dose received, your health and diagnostic needs.

Contraindications and limitations

There are no absolute contraindications to MSCT. Because of the radiation dose, the need for CT in pregnant women and young children is carefully weighed case by case.

• body weight over 150 kg;
• barium in the stomach or bowel — for abdominal examinations;
• inability of the patient to cooperate.

Why contrast?

Contrast enhancement (usually with iodinated agents) helps to distinguish organs from each other and normal from abnormal tissue. The main routes are:

• Oral — the patient drinks a contrast solution on a set schedule; used for abdominal CT to outline the hollow organs.
• Intravenous — staff inject an iodinated contrast agent into a vein (we use Tomohexol) to assess how tissues and organs take it up.

The contrast agent is fully cleared from the bloodstream within 24–36 hours; drink plenty of fluids afterwards. Contrast is contraindicated in kidney failure, a history of allergy (asthma, allergic rhinitis), especially severe allergic reactions, and in severe diabetes.

How to prepare

• CT with contrast is performed on an empty stomach;
• bowel examinations may require special preparation — this is decided after the scan.

Bring with you, if available: your doctor’s referral; a discharge summary or outpatient record; images and reports of previous examinations (not only CT); any other documents about your condition.

What to expect

You will lie on a moving table that passes through the ring of the scanner. The ring rotates around you and the table moves slightly — you need to keep still. You will be alone in the room while the staff watch through a window. CT is completely painless; if you feel unwell, tell the technologist via the intercom.

Results

After the procedure you receive the images and the report; on request we record the study on a CD. Take the report to the doctor who referred you. If you had CT on your own initiative, choose a specialist according to the findings.

CT for children