Procedures
CT (CAT) Scan
AUR interprets thousands of Computed tomography (CT)—sometimes called CAT scan—exams every year. CT Technology uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body, then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue with great clarity. CT is a very powerful tool used by many physicians to take images of the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and coronary arteries among other body parts.
AUR physicians can interpret CT scans to help diagnose many illnesses and diseases with very high accuracy, enabling faster treatment and often eliminating the need for additional and typically more invasive and costly procedures
CT has also been shown to be a very effective imaging tool in the evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease. The procedure is known a Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) and is a noninvasive method of examining the small arteries the feed the heart muscle. It is used to look for hard and soft plaque in the coronary arteries that can lead to a heart attack. 85% of all sudden heart attacks may be prevented if the conditions that lead to the attack are diagnosed early enough to prescribe treatment.
CTA is a powerful tool used to perform Cardiac Imaging. Why have a CTA?
- CTA exams may take just a few short minutes.
- CTA can, in many cases prevent patients from having to undergo painful and much more invasive cardiac catheterization.
- With typical Cardiac Catheterization, patients typically must not eat the night before and may spend most of the day in the hospital. Whereas with CTA, the vast majority of patients are able to have the procedure with minimal disruption to their day.
- CTA can be used to detect narrowing or obstruction of arteries in the pelvis and in the carotid arteries.
- CT angiography can also show whether a stent is serving its purpose.
- Examining arteries in the brain may help reach a correct diagnosis in patients who complain of headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or fainting. Injured patients may benefit from CTA if there is a possibility that one or more arteries have been damaged.
- In patients with a tumor it may be helpful for the surgeon to know the details of arteries feeding the growth.
Patient Preparation for a CT Scan
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CT exam. Metal objects can affect the image, so avoid clothing with zippers and snaps. You may be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work that could obscure the images. You also may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for an hour or longer before the exam. Women should always inform their doctor or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Your scan may include contrast media which will require you to let the technologist know if you are currently breast feeding.
For the most up to date information, visit www.radiologyinfo.org, a website dedicated to radiology information from the patient perspective.
