Computed tomography of the chest organs

Indications for CT scan

Computed tomography is prescribed as a secondary examination if the preliminary X-ray was uninformative. In the primary diagnosis, a traumatologist, surgeon, ENT or therapist can refer the patient to CT if pneumonia is suspected, with hemoptysis and prolonged cough of an unclear nature, pain and stiffness of hand movements.

Chest examination is indicated in the following cases:

• Post-traumatic condition.
• Inflammation in the heart, joints, and also in the organs of the mediastinum.
• Diagnosis (pre- and postoperative).
• Studying the localization of metastases before radiation therapy.

Thanks to the diagnostic procedure, the doctor evaluates changes in different tissues and organs. But for a more detailed study of neoplasms or inflammations, chest CT with contrast enhancement is prescribed. After the introduction of contrast into the blood, it spreads through the bloodstream and settles in denser tissues. On the tomography images, the areas of pathology and foci of inflammation are visualized more clearly. Thanks to this, it is possible to detect neoplasms in the initial stage, to assess the patency of the vessels.

Contraindications for computed tomography

SCT is carried out strictly according to the doctor's prescription, when there is an urgent need for it. Modern tomographs can reduce the radiation load on the body, and they can also be used to make low-dose CT scans of the lungs or ribs. However, the diagnosis is not carried out for pregnant women and children under 3 years of age.

The main contraindications apply to CT with contrast, which is not prescribed for:

• Allergies to iodine and seafood.
• Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism.
• Kidney failure.
• Complicated course of diabetes.
• Bronchial asthma.

For women during breastfeeding, a study with a contrast agent is allowed provided that lactation is stopped 1 day after the procedure. During this time, the contrast agent is completely eliminated from the body.

How to prepare for a chest CT

Standard diagnostics using computed tomography does not require special training. For 2-3 hours before the CT scan with contrast enhancement, you should refrain from eating and drinking, with the exception of pure water.

People with kidney disease should first be tested for creatinine levels.

How is a chest CT scan done for adults and children?

In most cases, the diagnosis is prescribed for adults. For children under 14 years of age, the study is carried out in the presence of strict indications and the impossibility of making a diagnosis in other ways.

Before starting the procedure, the patient must remove all jewelry and accessories made of metal, removable metal implants (if any). Although CT does not use a magnetic field like MRI does, the presence of metal objects can distort the images.

The procedure algorithm is as follows:

1. The patient enters the diagnostic room and lies down on the movable table of the tomograph.
2. The doctor-diagnostician fixes the limbs. Hands must be folded into the castle and brought behind the head in an even position.
3. The doctor leaves the office and manages the diagnostic process from another room.
4. With standard CT, images are taken in one complete rotation of the drum. Then the tomography table moves forward, and the patient moves towards the tunnel of the apparatus. After that, the image is taken at the next full revolution of the scanner.
5. With spiral tomography CT or MSCT, scanning is performed continuously while the table is slowly moving into the tunnel. Depending on the device, the scanner makes 16, 64 or 128 slices and displays the image on the screen.

The TK procedure is painless and takes about 5 minutes in standard mode and about 30 minutes if contrast is needed. In the latter case, the tomograph takes a series of images, first before and then after the introduction of an iodine-based contrast agent.

After the procedure, the patient gets up, gets dressed and expects the result within half an hour. A written conclusion and images on a disk or X-ray film are handed out by the doctor for further interpretation of the result by the attending physician.

Where to do a CT scan of the chest in Moscow

The clinic "K+31" employs experienced diagnosticians with extensive practical experience. We carry out diagnostics on modern equipment, which allows us to reduce radiation exposure by 70%.

To make an appointment for an examination or to clarify the price of a chest CT scan, call the reception at +7 (499) 999-31-31 or fill out the feedback form on the website.