In this article we want to talk about a modern non-invasive diagnostic method - computed tomography of the chest. Its advantage is that CT helps to identify diseases and pathologies that affect the organs of the sternum, in particular, the lungs. We will tell you what the preparation for chest CT is, what are the indications for the procedure using and without contrast medium, who decrypts the results of the study.
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography is a comprehensive study that combines X-ray examination techniques and the work of modern powerful computers. This allows you to get many pictures of the studied internal organs. Further, the images are processed by a computer, after which they become ready for further analysis by a specialist. They are recorded on x-ray film, disc, and other digital media.
How is CT different from a routine x-ray? The procedure allows you to make a more detailed and clear picture for the specialist, which contributes to an accurate diagnosis, the choice of the most optimal treatment.
When is computed tomography prescribed ?
Preparation for chest CT scan will be relevant for a large number of patients. Indications for this CT scan are as follows:
- Clarification of the pathology that was detected during a routine X-ray examination, fluorography.
- Determining the causes of symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, hyperthermia.
- Identification of tumor processes, stages of their progression, the presence of metastases.
- Assessment of the success of the treatment of malignant tumors.
- Planning for further radiation therapy.
- Diagnosis of damage in case of chest injury (including individual blood vessels, spine, ribs).
- CT angiography of vessels passing through the chest can be prescribed to assess the condition and functioning of these arteries and veins.
- Early diagnosis of sarcoma. Note that computed tomography is very sensitive - a study can detect a malignant tumor at an early stage when lung cancer is completely treatable.
What diseases can a study identify?
Before talking about preparing for a CT scan of the chest, it is not superfluous to mention the main diseases, pathologies that such a study can reveal:
- Pneumonia.
- Bronchiectasis
- Tuberculosis.
- Congenital malformations of the chest organs.
- Obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Emphysema.
- Inflammatory processes, other diseases of the pleura.
- Interstitial diffuse lung disease.
- Sarcoma (lung cancer).
The risks
Let's dwell on the risks that the procedure faces:
- The development of a cancerous tumor from excessive exposure.
- Not recommended for pregnant women - there is a risk of negative effects on the fetus.
- Allergy to a contrast agent containing iodine. However, the armament of modern radiologists has effective drugs that prevent an allergic reaction.
- Since young children are more sensitive to radiation, CT scans are prescribed only in case of emergency.
- Nursing mothers who have been given a contrast agent should abstain from breastfeeding for 1-2 days after the procedure.
What is the preparation for chest CT?
An important issue that worries many patients. Preparation for chest CT with contrast is almost the same as without contrast. The difference between the methods will only be in contraindications.
Preparation for the study (chest CT) is simple - consists of several simple steps:
- You should come to the examination in free and comfortable clothes. Perhaps the specialist will ask you to remove it from the examined part of the body.
- All metal objects on your body can affect the result of the examination. Therefore, jewelry, dentures, glasses, hairpins, piercings are best removed or left at home.
- If a woman wears a underwired bra with inserts containing metal, then this item should be removed before examinations.
- If a pacemaker is implanted in a patient, then he must warn a specialist about it! The device will not interfere with the examination, but may distort the image in the picture.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines that you are taking.
- Remember if you were allergic to anything. Preparation for chest CT with contrast will include the introduction of drugs to the patient (they are most often steroids), which can slow down the rate of allergic reactions - in case of intolerance to patients with a contrast substance containing iodine.
- Be sure to inform about recent illnesses, as well as chronic diseases. Bronchial asthma, thyroid disease, diabetes, kidney and heart diseases - the specialist conducting the examination should know about them!
- A woman must additionally inform the doctor if she is likely to be pregnant.
How is the examination carried out?
A chest CT scan is not required. The procedure itself is as follows:
- The patient is placed on the couch of a computer tomograph. Most often, he is asked to lie on his back.
- Since a person should be motionless during taking pictures, he can be fixed with straps, pillows. For young children and seriously ill patients, sedatives are additionally used to help reassure the patient and achieve his static position on the couch.
- Some types of CT will require the introduction of a contrast medium. For this, a special syringe pump is used. The substance is injected into the vein of the patient.
- After these manipulations, the couch with the patient slowly moves into the portal - into the ring of a computer tomograph. There, a person will be surrounded by X-ray tubes and detectors, with the help of which the necessary pictures are taken.
- At the time of taking the picture, you may be asked to hold your breath or not move for a short time. The maximum time is 30 seconds.
- After completing the procedure, the specialist asks the patient to wait a while to make sure that all the received images are of good quality, and the procedure should not be repeated.
In total (with preparation for the study) the whole process takes no more than half an hour.
Features of computed tomography
Preparing for a CT scan of the chest without contrast, as a rule, takes even less time than using a contrast medium. The research procedure itself is completely painless for the patient. The only thing is that he may feel discomfort from the fact that he should spend some time in stillness.
The procedure using contrast is slightly different - before being placed in the tomograph, a special substance is injected into the patient through an elastic thin catheter inserted into a vein. Its diameter and length do not differ from a conventional medical needle. During the introduction of the substance, the patient can feel a feeling of heat, warmth throughout the body, a taste of metal in the mouth. Someone notes the urge to urinate. In fact, they are false - this is the effect of contrast on the body.
In the office where the examination is carried out, the patient is alone. Somewhere with the child there are parents putting on special lead aprons. However, in any case, the specialist is always in touch with the patient - through the speakers and the microphone of the built-in communication system.
If the study was conducted without contrast, you can immediately return to your usual affairs immediately after it. Otherwise, follow the instructions provided by the radiologist.
Who interprets the survey results?
Without a special education, you will not be able to "read" the CT images. Their decoding is the prerogative of a specialist radiologist. Its conclusion, together with the information carrier, is transmitted to your attending physician or to the patient’s hands.
CT of the chest organs is a painless and simple diagnostic procedure for the patient. Preparation for it is also simple and short.