Computed tomography of the lungs is a layered x-ray image of the structures and organs of the chest. Conventional radiography is a snapshot of an organ under investigation, in whole or in part. Due to the imposition of one layer of tissue on another (superposition), small pathological formations in such a picture may be poorly visible or not visualized at all. To eliminate such interference today, the method of spiral tomography is used all over the world, it makes it possible to obtain a separate image of the transverse layers of the organ.
What is computed tomography?
Computed tomography of the lung, like computed tomography of the sinuses of the nose, is an X-ray examination in which transverse images of the entire organ are created using a computer image. Images are produced by a ring - shaped X-ray machine, which takes pictures of the lung from different angles. The main advantage of computed tomography over conventional x-ray is its high sensitivity to the detection of pulmonary pathology. In some cases, scanning is performed in parallel with the administration of a contrast medium (intravenously), this helps to see the position of the lungs much better.
Computed tomography is performed in two modes.
Computed tomography of the lung is performed in the pulmonary mode and in the mode of the mediastinal organs. In the first case, the images can clearly track the distribution of intersegmental septa and gaps between the lobes, the condition of all bronchi and almost all pulmonary vessels. When examining in the mediastinal mode, you can consider the trachea, both parts of the aorta, the heart and its chambers, the trunk and branches of the pulmonary artery, intrathoracic lymph nodes. Computed tomography of the lung does not require anything special from the patient, except to be in a horizontal position for several minutes and hold his breath for a while at the request of a doctor.
When is CT of the lungs indicated?
Computed tomography of the lung clearly shows the bronchi, trachea, pulmonary vessels, thoracic lymph nodes, segments and lobes of the lung. It allows you to diagnose damage to the soft tissues of the organ, as well as the condition of large blood vessels - the pulmonary artery and aorta. Computed tomography of the lung is indicated in the following conditions or if they are suspected:
- Bronchiectatic disease, neoplasms in the lung and pleural cavity, the presence of foreign bodies.
- The pathology of the thymus gland, the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, inflammation of the thoracic lymph nodes, a change in the pericardium, diseases of the ribs and sternum.
- Changing the structure of lung tissue.
Computed tomography of the lung helps to identify such diseases:
- Pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy.
- Lung cancer or lung metastases from other organs.
- The presence of pleural effusion.
- Aortic aneurysm and pulmonary embolism.
- Emphysema
- Pathology of the mediastinum.
CT of the lung is a safe procedure
The uniqueness of the study lies in the fact that the dose of its radiation is negligible, so it is difficult to distinguish by counters. This fact allows the use of research in infants, and the procedure time can be from one to seven minutes. At the same time, a tomography of the lung of the child can be performed during sleep, and next to it at this time may be a mother or other close person. The presence of metal prostheses, pacemakers and other implants is not a contraindication to tomography. This technique does not cause special inconvenience to patients with claustrophobia, since it takes very little time.
Lung tomography is a modern study that allows you to conduct an early diagnosis of diseases and at the same time keep the patient healthy, and in some cases life.