The CT scan

CHAPTER 3 The CT scan


Although the plain chest X-ray is one of the most useful imaging techniques, it is limited by the fact that it is a two-dimensional image and small or subtle abnormalities can be overlooked. In other circumstances the chest X-ray will identify an abnormality but will give limited information as to its extent or detailed appearance. Remember also that, although particularly useful for detecting lung abnormalities, the chest X-ray is a very poor way of imaging the mediastinum.





Types of CT scan


Two main types of CT scans are performed for the chest: contiguous (spiral) and high resolution. You will need to understand the difference between these in order to know what to request and also to appreciate their limitations. If you include all the relevant history on the scan request, and clearly state the question that needs answering, the radiologist is much more likely to undertake the most appropriate scan.






Sep 3, 2016 | Posted by in RESPIRATORY IMAGING | Comments Off on The CT scan

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