CT (computed tomography), sometimes called CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body, and then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs.
CT imaging is particularly useful because it provides detailed information on head injuries, brain tumor, other brain diseases and also can show several types of tissue -- lung, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels -- with great clarity. It is also used to plan and properly administer radiation treatment for tumors and to guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures and also to measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis. It is also useful in dental radiology.Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. CT of the body is a patient-friendly exam that involves little radiation exposure.
The following newer modalities are available
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Three Dimensional CT
• Dental CT
• Real-time Multiplanar Reconstructions
• High-resolution CT
• Dynamic CT
• Spiral CT
MULTI SLICE SPIRAL (CT)
Multi Slice Spiral (CT) is future of CT imaging and has numerous advantages over conventional CT.
Sub Second performance ensures rapid scanning and reduced scan time (especially useful for pediatric and trauma cases)
Spiral CT allows for volumentric acquisition of data and subsequent 3D reconstruction of the acquired data.
Most Spiral CT application are a combination of the superior imaging and software processing and software configuration includes options, like
• Osteo CT : Quantitative determination of Bone Mineral Density of the spine for detection of Osteoporosis, especially useful in Women, after age of 40.
• Dental CT : Reformatting of panoramic and paraxial section through lower and upper jaw for analysis in implantation surgery.
• Real Time MPR Reconstruction : Multiplanar reformatting of data in secondary perspective in real time.
• CT Angiography : Allowing for display of vessels, vascular anomalies, aneurysms, plaques and stenosis.
• 3D SSD Volumentric Reconstruction : Three dimensional display of surfaces, particularly useful for reconstructive surgery, orthopaedic cases especially fractures of hip, spine, knee and shoulder.
• Cranial Applications : Due to short scan time spiral CT is useful in uncooperative patients with head injury or stroke. Even in paediatric patients with spiral CT the need of sedation can be avoided. Additionally the amount of intravenous contrast can be reduced.
