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The contents of this website including text, graphics, images and information are for information purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider for your health care concerns.

 

 

 

 

Computed Tomography (CT)

ACR CT Accreditation

CT is a diagnostic tool that allows physicians to identify normal and abnormal structures in the body and evaluate various tissues and organs such as the brain, spine, lungs, liver, kidneys, pelvis, abdomen and extremities.  With CT, information about various body tissues is obtained using x-rays.  The information is measured by electronic detectors and reconstructed into cross-sectional images (or pictures of internal body structures) by a computer.  CT has the unique ability to image a combination of bone, soft tissue and blood vessels.  Routine CT imaging includes examinations such as head, chest, abdomen and sinuses.  Specialized CT examinations  include Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA), Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA), and CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring.  You can read about these specialized CT examinations on the follow pages.


n Coronary CTA n CTA n CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

CT Contrast Media

 

Some CT examinations require the use of contrast media often referred to as “dye.”  Contrast media are substances that are injected into a vein or given by mouth.  These agents highlight or enhance particular areas in the body and assist the physician in evaluating certain structures.

 

The most common agent given by mouth is a barium sulfate suspension and is used with certain abdominal and gastrointestinal studies.  Barium sulfate is a smooth, thick, milky substance with a slightly unpleasant (but not too bad) taste.

 

The intravenous contrast media used with all CT examinations contains iodine.  Therefore, it is very important that you tell your physician and the imaging technologist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to iodine, shellfish or any contrast media and if you have diabetes or kidney problems.  Intravenous contrast media is usually injected into a small vein in the arm. 

 

Equipment

 

Our centers have Multislice, Spiral CT units, which perform specialized techniques that gather information about internal organs and tissues very quickly.   Powerful computers and sophisticated software then convert this information into cross-sectional, three-dimensional images of internal organs and structures in the body in exquisite detail.  These ultrafast techniques allow entire sections of the body to be imaged in just seconds.

 

Toshiba CT 64 Slice ScannerBecause CTA and CCTA studies require particular imaging techniques, we complete these examinations at our Southside Medical Imaging facility, which has the specialized 64-slice AquilionTM CT scanner.  This new technology features high resolution imaging that produces amazingly detailed pictures of small body structures such as blood vessels. Motion-free imaging is a key to performing accurate CTA and the since the heart is in constant motion, very rapid scanning techniques are needed.  Because of motion, previous CT equipment could not produce quality images of the small heart arteries.  The new 64-slice technology provides the sub-second scanning and specialized software that allows for the fast temporal resolution required to image the heart and blood flow in the major vessels.

  

Preparation

 

Wear loose comfortable clothing without metal snaps or zippers to your appointment.  If necessary you will be asked to change into scrubs or a patient gown.  Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and may need to be removed prior to your examination. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Lockers are available for your personal items however, it is recommended that you leave your valuables at home.

 

If you are having an abdominal or gastrointestinal CT examination that requires the use of a contrast agent called barium that you drink, you need to call our facility at least twenty four hours prior to your appointment.  You will be given instructions on how to obtain and when to drink the barium. 

 

If you are having a CT examination that requires intravenous (IV) contrast you must not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the examination.  You may take your prescribed medications with a small amount of water if necessary.  In addition, if you are 60 years of age or older, or if you have a history of certain conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes, a BUN and creatinine blood test is required prior to your examination to assess kidney function.

 

If you are taking glucophage/metformin (or derivatives) you will need to discontinue taking the drug the day of the study and for 48 hours after the study.  After the examination, notify your physician that you received iodinated contrast media to consider reassessment of your renal function.

Because x-ray is used and an iodinated contrast media may be administered during your CT examination it is important that you notify your physician and our staff prior to scheduling your appointment if you have any of the conditions listed below.

  • If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

  • If your are breast feeding

  • Prior allergies or reactions to iodine, shellfish or contrast media

  • Diabetes

  • Kidney problemsChest CT

During the Examination

 

You will lie on a comfortable table that moves you through a large opening in a donut-shaped machine.  You will be kept informed when you need to lie very still and when it is okay to move.  The technologist will be able to see and hear you during the entire examination.  The examination may take from ten to thirty minutes.  The entire procedure can usually be completed within an hour.

 

If you are having a CT that requires the administration of intravenous (IV) contrast, before the examination begins, the technologist will insert a small needle or catheter in your hand or arm.  The contrast is then administered at a controlled rate by an automated injector device connected to the IV. 

When the IV contrast is injected, you may experience a warm, flushing sensation and a metallic taste in your mouth.  This usually lasts only a few minutes and is normal.

 

Occasionally a patient may have an allergic reaction to the contrast material that may be mild or severe.  If you experience any other symptoms, such as itching, become light-headed or have difficulty breathing, you should notify the technologist immediately.

 

Following the Examination

 

After the examination, you may resume your normal activities. 

 

If you are taking glucophage/metformin (or derivatives) you will need to discontinue taking the drug the day of the study and for 48 hours after the study.  After the examination, notify your physician that you received iodinated contrast media to consider reassessment of your renal function.

If you are breast feeding it is recommended that you stop breast-feeding for 48 hours after you receive a CT contrast agent.

 

Once the CT study is completed, the images are stored on a computer. These images will be studied by board certified radiologists who are specially trained to analyze radiology examinations. A written report of the radiologist's findings will be sent to your physician.  Your physician will discuss the results of the examination with you.