CT 64 Slice Scanning

General

CT or CAT scanning is short for Computerised (Axial) Tomography. It is an X-ray procedure that uses a special computer to combine multiple images into cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of the internal organs and body structures. The 64-slice CT scanners produce clearer computerized images with less exposure to radiation than the older models. These technologies are often referred to as "multidetector" or "multislice" CT scanning.

Imagine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking at one end of the loaf. As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice from the crust to the centre. The body is seen on CT slices in a similar way, from the skin to the central part of the area being scanned. When these "slices" are "added" together, a three-dimensional picture of an area, organ, or bone can be obtained.

Occasionally, contrast media (commonly called "dye") is given either by mouth, rectally, or IV to help make the CT images as clear as possible and to distinguish between different parts of the body. As there is always a possibility of giving contrast, most patients are asked to remain Nil per mouth for 5hrs prior to the examination unless otherwise stated.

CT’s are painless and can provide extremely accurate images of body structures. In addition, the scans can guide the Radiologist in performing certain procedures, such as biopsies and drainage or removal of body fluids and abscesses. CT scans have greatly improved the ability of doctors to diagnose and treat many conditions at an early stage.

CT scans can be performed on all body parts:

• Brain and Skull
• Cervical spine and soft tissue neck
• Chest, lungs, heart and Thoracic spine
• Abdomen including all abdominal structures
• Lumbar spine
• Bony and soft tissue Pelvis
• Upper and Lower limbs

CT Angiography

CTA’s (Computerised Tomography Angiograms) are done to assess all the different arteries of the body. It is a non invasive test which requires an iodine injection into the arm. Due to new improve software, we are then able to view the arteries in 3D. We are able to assess narrowing’s/occlusions of vessels as well as aneurysms and ruptures.

CTA’s can be performed on the following vessels:

• Circle of Willes(Brain)
• Carotids and vertebral (Neck)
• Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta and branches (Chest and Abdomen)
• Peripheral Vessels (Arms and legs)

Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual Colonoscopy is a new method that allows doctors to look at the large bowel (colon) to detect polyps and cancers. Polyps are small growths in the colon that may become cancerous if they are not removed. Virtual Colonoscopy is a recently developed technique that uses a CT scanner and computer virtual reality software to look inside the bowel without having to insert a long tube (Conventional Colonoscopy) into the colon or without having to fill the colon with liquid barium (Barium Enema). Another advantage of this procedure is that abdominal tissues and organs outside of the bowel may also be viewed and assessed at the same time.