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 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).

* 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 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.

5. SPLEEN: Excellent for the evaluation of blunt trauma to the spleen. Can identify bleeding or hematomas.

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.

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology