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CT scanning is a
short term for computerized tomography, sometimes called "CAT
Scanning". CT scanning arrived in the 1970's and revolutionized
radiology, giving physicians detailed images previously unthought
of.
CT employs a pencil-thin x-ray beam that
rotates around a patient who lies inside a donut-shaped scanner.
As the x-ray beam passes through the patient it strikes a
detector, which is located opposite the beam. After the beam
and the detectors have circled around a given level of the
body, the information from the detectors is processed by specially-configured
computers which formulate the images. An additional CT computer
workstation can further analyze the images and depict them
in a 3-D format.
CT studies are performed on virtually every
body part, from head to toe. Sometimes intravenous iodine-based
contrast material is required to enhance particular areas.
A detailed allergy history will be obtained prior to the injection
of any contrast, however please be sure to inform us if your
patient has an allergy to iodine, if you know if he or she
has ever had a reaction to iodine-based contrast media or
if they are a diabetic currently taking Glucophage™.
At XRCMI we use only nonionic IV contrast material, which
greatly reduces the likelihood of a reaction, but we still
take every precaution to screen those patients who potentially
could be allergic. We may also require certain lab blood tests
prior to injecting the contrast. In other instances the patient
may need to drink a radio-opaque contrast medium to better
define the intestinal tract. In either event, everything that
we do is intended to deliver the best possible exam and the
most diagnostic information for you and your patients.
With the recent development of sub-second
CT scanners (which we have at XRCMI), fascinating noninvasive
imaging procedures can now be performed that previously required
considerable invasion. One example is CT angiography, wherein
a simple injection of IV contrast can be used to render a
detailed study of blood vessels. Another procedure that shows
promise is virtual colonography, which may soon rival colonoscopy
for information without the need to undergo sedation or the
insertion of colonoscope tubing.
For information on the preparations necessary
for our CT studies, click
here. For other information, please call (574) 243-0100
or clickContact
Us.
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