It seems like you might be referring to “CT scan” or “Computed Tomography scan.” CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Here’s an overview:
Purpose: CT scans are used to visualize internal structures of the body in great detail. They can help diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions, including injuries, infections, tumors, blood vessel abnormalities, and organ dysfunction. CT scans are particularly useful for evaluating the brain, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system.
Procedure: During a CT scan, the patient lies on a motorized table that moves through a doughnut-shaped machine called a CT scanner. The scanner rotates around the patient, emitting X-rays from multiple angles. The X-ray detectors inside the scanner measure the amount of radiation that passes through the body and create cross-sectional images, or “slices,” of the area being scanned. The images are then processed by a computer to generate detailed three-dimensional images that can be viewed and analyzed by a radiologist.
Contrast Agents: In some cases, a contrast agent may be administered to enhance the visibility of certain structures or abnormalities on the CT images. Contrast agents, usually iodine-based or barium-based, can be injected into a vein (intravenous contrast) or swallowed (oral contrast) before the scan. Contrast-enhanced CT scans are commonly used to evaluate blood vessels, organs, and soft tissues, as well as to detect tumors and abnormalities.
Types of CT Scans: There are various types of CT scans, each tailored to visualize specific parts of the body or address particular medical concerns. Some common types of CT scans include:
- Head CT: Used to evaluate the brain, skull, and facial structures for injuries, bleeding, tumors, and other abnormalities.
- Chest CT: Used to assess the lungs, heart, chest wall, and mediastinum for conditions such as pneumonia, lung cancer, and heart disease.
- Abdominal CT: Used to visualize the abdominal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, for conditions such as abdominal pain, trauma, and tumors.
- Pelvic CT: Used to examine the pelvic organs, including the reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum, for conditions such as pelvic pain, urinary problems, and gynecological disorders.
- CT Angiography (CTA): A specialized type of CT scan used to visualize the blood vessels throughout the body, including the arteries and veins, to diagnose vascular diseases and conditions such as aneurysms, stenosis, and blood clots.
Interpretation: After the CT scan is completed, the images are interpreted by a radiologist, who is a medical doctor specially trained in medical imaging interpretation. The radiologist assesses the images for abnormalities, makes a diagnosis, and generates a report that is shared with the referring healthcare provider to guide patient care.