Modern medicine offers great opportunities for timely and rapid diagnosis of diseases. The most informative research methods are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Definition
CT is a non-invasive method of examining the body. The principle of the device’s operation is based on layer-by-layer tissue scanning using X-rays. After scanning is completed, a special program converts the obtained results into an image that can be analyzed in detail.
Computed tomography is a fairly quick examination, so the negative impact of radiation on the body is minimized.
Difference from MRI and advantages of computed tomography
Both diagnostic options are characterized by high informativeness and obtaining detailed images of the examined area. However, they differ significantly from each other and have their own features.
- Structure being examined. CT at St. Luke’s Clinic visualizes hard tissues best, while MRI provides more information about soft structures. Therefore, in case of bone damage and trauma, computed tomography is preferred.
- Principle of operation. During magnetic resonance imaging, the human body is exposed to a special magnetic field, while computed tomography uses X-rays with minimal radiation exposure.
- Duration of the study. CT usually takes about 15-20 minutes, while MRI can last up to an hour.
- Contraindications. CT can be performed on people with hearing aids, pacemakers, and metal prostheses, which is not the case for MRI. However, despite minor radiation exposure (less than with a standard X-ray examination), computed tomography is not recommended more often than once every six months.
Research process
At St. Luke’s Clinic in Chernivtsi, spiral computed tomography (SCT) is performed, which is a more advanced option that allows obtaining a volumetric image of the examined area.
During diagnostics, the X-ray emitter continuously moves in a circle, while the table with the patient on it gradually moves inside the tunnel of the scanning device. Thus, the examined area is scanned entirely and in all possible sections.
Complex preparation for CT scanning is not required. However, in some cases, the procedure is performed on an empty stomach (CT of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas) or involves preliminary administration of a contrast agent per os or intravenously (examination of the genitourinary system, blood vessels, and lymph nodes).
Before tomography, you will need to remove jewelry and all metal accessories, as the material will reflect X-rays and form artifacts on the final image, which may interfere with the diagnosis of the disease.
For the examination, you will be placed on a special table and moved so that the desired body part is located in the apparatus tunnel. When the tomograph is activated, the doctor will ask you to hold your breath for a while. This is necessary to completely exclude all possible body movements and obtain the highest quality result.
What does CT examine?
- Skull bones, including eye orbits and paranasal sinuses. Scanning can detect the consequences of injuries or tissue damage resulting from other diseases.
- Spine. Examination of this area allows assessing the condition of each vertebra individually, as well as the intervertebral discs.
- Joints. Tomography allows detecting various bone growths, finding blood, inflammatory fluid, or foreign bodies in the joint cavity, and diagnosing dislocation or fracture.
- Chest organs. Lungs are most often examined using CT. Scanning easily detects signs of pneumonia and tuberculosis. Congenital anomalies, oncological diseases, vascular disorders of the mediastinal organs, and more can also be diagnosed.
- Brain. Computed tomography examines both the brain substance and all adjacent membranes. Inflammatory foci, neoplasms, hemorrhages, and strokes will be visible on the image.
- Abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space. Examination of this area is most often performed using a contrast method and reveals a number of diseases of the stomach, intestines, and other organs. Urolithiasis is also diagnosed thanks to computed tomography.
- Pelvic organs. The bones of this area are best visualized, but the human genitourinary system can also be examined using scanning.
Contraindications for CT
It should be noted that computed tomography has no absolute contraindications. This means that the examination can be performed on almost every patient without exception, especially if there is a threat to life and urgent measures are required.
Nevertheless, one should not forget about relative contraindications. CT is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as young children. Scanning with contrast is not advisable for people with severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, and those with individual intolerance to iodine-containing drugs.
In all cases, the decision on the need for tomography is made by the attending physician, after assessing all risks.