CT of the lung has long been one of the most popular studies. All due to its accuracy and painlessness. Tomography allows you to identify various diseases. Moreover, it does this even at the earliest stages, when most alternative methods of examining the body are powerless.
When do CT of the lungs?
This is an x-ray study. But unlike the traditional X-ray, computed tomography is not so harmful. Assign it, as a rule, in order to clarify whether in the lungs and organs of the mediastinum there have been any changes. That is, the procedure should be performed after radiography or fluorography and only if the results of the studies cause suspicion.
Usually CT is sent at:
- the presence of foreign bodies in the bronchi;
- suspicion of the presence of good or malignant tumors;
- diseases of the sternum;
- disorders in the pericardial bag;
- bronchiectasis diseases;
- suspicions of volumetric formation of the mediastinum;
- changes in lung structure;
- inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes in the chest;
- pathologies of the thymus gland.
What does CT scan show?
Computer tomography is assigned to detect lung diseases such as chronic embolism or tuberculosis. In addition, the study determines the presence of tumors and inflammatory processes in the body. Often, it is prescribed to patients with suspected occupational diseases caused by the inhalation of chemical particles.
The decoding of lung CT contains information on the state of lung tissue, pleura, bronchi, trachea, pulmonary artery, superior vena cava, thoracic aorta. If a tumor was found, a complete description of the tumor and its distribution should be present in the conclusion.
CT of the lungs with contrast
This procedure is usually called angiography. It is performed mainly only in cases where the presence of a tumor is confirmed. The study with contrast material gives even more accurate data concerning not only the tumor, but also the state of the vessels.
CT with contrast determines:
- presence of atherosclerotic plaques ;
- aneurysms;
- pulmonary artery thromboembolism;
- pneumonia;
- tuberculosis ;
- places in vessels with disturbed traffic;
- bronchial carcinoma.
With pneumonia on CT in the lungs, foci of inflammation are visible. Tomography for diagnosis of the disease is not always used. It is prescribed in those cases when the usual X-ray examination of the required results has not been shown.
How do CT of the lungs?
For the procedure, a special apparatus is used, outwardly resembling a fairly large square tunnel. Inside, a movable table is attached to it. The device is connected to a computer and controlled by it.
The principle of CT is based on the fact that different tissues in the human body miss X-rays unequally. Those that are denser, scatter light, less dense - absorb it. Impulses occur during each of the processes. Instruments fix them, and after
How often can CT scans be done?
Because the procedure is directly related to X-ray radiation, too often it can not be carried out. Before the examination, the doctor should study the patient's card in detail and find out the radiation load he received.
To make a computer tomography, even if the exposure limit is exceeded, it is necessary only in the event that it can actually save a life, and none of the alternative diagnostic methods is ineffective at the same time.
A variant of an exit from a situation can also be spiral CT, which significantly reduces the dose of the received irradiation.