أبو أحـمد
03-22-2007, 08:10 PM
CT-Scanning of the Chest and Abdomen
CT-scanning or COMPUTERIZED AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY utilizes the computer to construct
complex x-ray images. A series of cross sectional x-rays are taken of a
selected part of the body. From this information, the computer is able to
reconstruct excellent anatomical images that are impossible with conventional
radiography. The CT-scanner is represents one of the greatest advancements
since the invention of the x-ray. CT-scanning of the body may include studies
of the chest or abdomen.
* CHEST CT-SCANNING *
CT-scanning of the CHEST is useful in locating small tumors in the area around
the lungs (see lymphomas in the DISEASE FILE) or in the lung tissue itself (lung
cancer). It has been used to identify a dissecting thoracic aneurysm (bulging
area in an artery) of the aorta and to diagnose injuries sustained to lung,
heart, or aorta in the trauma patient (e.g. motor vehicle accident). See chest
injuries in the INJURY FILE.
* USES FOR ABDOMINAL CT-SCANNING *
1. KIDNEY: May diagnose the presence of kidney stones, tumors, inherited
abnormalities, or kidney injury.
2. LIVER: May diagnose an abscess or tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma) of this
organ. Also useful in the evaluation of blunt trauma to the abdomen (car
accident or fall). A liver laceration or contusion may be
diagnosed using the CT-scan.
3. PANCREAS: To evaluate the possibility of pancreatic tumor or inflammation in
this organ
4. GALLBLADDER AND BILIARY TRACT: To evaluate for the presence of a tumor or a
gallstone that may be obstructing the bile duct. You may reference gallbladder
5. SPLEEN: Excellent for the evaluation of blunt trauma to the spleen. Can
identify bleeding or hematomas
ruptured spleen).
6. ADRENAL GLANDS: Can identify tumors in these organs.
7. ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM
8. EVALUATION OF LYMPH NODES FOR SUSPECT LYMPHOMA OR CANCER
9. EVALUATION OF ABDOMINAL INFECTION (diverticulitis, intra-abdominal abscess)
***** REMEMBER *****
1. If injectable contrast material is used, there is the risk of allergic
reaction. In very rare cases this reaction could result in death.
2. The radiation exposure is considered medium to high level in comparison to
other diagnostic x-ray studies. Due to the severity of the diagnoses
considered, any risks are often outweighed by the benefits of this study.
CT-scanning or COMPUTERIZED AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY utilizes the computer to construct
complex x-ray images. A series of cross sectional x-rays are taken of a
selected part of the body. From this information, the computer is able to
reconstruct excellent anatomical images that are impossible with conventional
radiography. The CT-scanner is represents one of the greatest advancements
since the invention of the x-ray. CT-scanning of the body may include studies
of the chest or abdomen.
* CHEST CT-SCANNING *
CT-scanning of the CHEST is useful in locating small tumors in the area around
the lungs (see lymphomas in the DISEASE FILE) or in the lung tissue itself (lung
cancer). It has been used to identify a dissecting thoracic aneurysm (bulging
area in an artery) of the aorta and to diagnose injuries sustained to lung,
heart, or aorta in the trauma patient (e.g. motor vehicle accident). See chest
injuries in the INJURY FILE.
* USES FOR ABDOMINAL CT-SCANNING *
1. KIDNEY: May diagnose the presence of kidney stones, tumors, inherited
abnormalities, or kidney injury.
2. LIVER: May diagnose an abscess or tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma) of this
organ. Also useful in the evaluation of blunt trauma to the abdomen (car
accident or fall). A liver laceration or contusion may be
diagnosed using the CT-scan.
3. PANCREAS: To evaluate the possibility of pancreatic tumor or inflammation in
this organ
4. GALLBLADDER AND BILIARY TRACT: To evaluate for the presence of a tumor or a
gallstone that may be obstructing the bile duct. You may reference gallbladder
5. SPLEEN: Excellent for the evaluation of blunt trauma to the spleen. Can
identify bleeding or hematomas
ruptured spleen).
6. ADRENAL GLANDS: Can identify tumors in these organs.
7. ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM
8. EVALUATION OF LYMPH NODES FOR SUSPECT LYMPHOMA OR CANCER
9. EVALUATION OF ABDOMINAL INFECTION (diverticulitis, intra-abdominal abscess)
***** REMEMBER *****
1. If injectable contrast material is used, there is the risk of allergic
reaction. In very rare cases this reaction could result in death.
2. The radiation exposure is considered medium to high level in comparison to
other diagnostic x-ray studies. Due to the severity of the diagnoses
considered, any risks are often outweighed by the benefits of this study.