What is a CT Scan?

A CT scan is also known as Computed Tomography; it is a form of radiography that takes multiple X-ray images of a particular area then reconstructs a detailed image of the targeted area. Such images can represent almost all the internal body structures such as organs, bones, tissues, and help diagnose or monitor specific illnesses. Using the patient in the center, the CT scanner rotates to take several X-ray images from different positions. These images are then fed to a computer that develops different picture planes otherwise known as ‘slices’ of the body. Often these slices can be reconstructed into Three-dimensional to be useful in analysis depending on the situation. Detections of cancerous tissues, infections, and injury, as well as detection of other pathologies. Monitoring the dynamics of diseases, like tumors, cancer, and chronic lung diseases, etc. Being involved in some processes, for instance, during biopsies, or implantation of specific devices. It is faster than many other imaging techniques; it could take less than 10 minutes. Unlike the standard X-rays, CT scans give more dramatic pictures of the body’s interior, especially the soft tissues and complicated structures.

Why is a CT Scan of the Chest Done?

Chest CT scan is done for a number of reasons mainly as a diagnostic tool and to assess chest disorders that affect lungs, heart, and other organs in the chest region. Here are some common indications for this procedure:

1. Detecting Lung Diseases

• Tumors: Seeing lung cancers or metastatic diseases.
• Infections: In diagnosing pneumonia, tuberculosis or any other related infections.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Discussing factors that lead to the development of inflammation and subsequent fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma.

2. Evaluating Symptoms

• Chronic Cough: Diagnosing long standing cough that has failed to respond to treatment.
• Shortness of Breath: Evaluating potentially angina-mimicking shortness of breath.
• Chest Pain: Examining possible etiologies of chest pain of unclear origin.

3. Trauma Assessment

• Injuries: Assessing chest injuries resulting from an accident and major incidents such as falls down the stairs, to the heart or lungs.

4. Cardiac Evaluation

• Coronary Artery Disease: Defining the severity of stenosis based on coronary artery CT angiography.
• Heart Size and Structure: Assessing the health of the heart’s chambers and valves.

5. Pulmonary Embolism

• Blood Clots: Diagnosing, a condition known as pulmonary embolisms, which are blood clots that move to the lungs.

6. Guiding Procedures

• Biopsies: Helping to accurately define the area requiring biopsy – tumor or abnormal tissue. Drainage: One case of chest tube drainage is guiding the process of draining fluid collections or abscesses.

What to Expect During the Procedure

To those who have an upcoming chest CT, it may help to know how the procedure goes so there is little or no anxiety. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect:

1. Preparation

• Clothing: You may need to change to a patient gown for the scans as nothing containing metal (no zippers, buttons) should be near the equipment.
• Fasting: If you are to be given contrast material you may be required to do so under an empty stomach for instance for a few hours before the scan. It is always important to stick to the advice that is given to you by your healthcare provider.
• Medical History: The doctor can tell you whether you have any allergies to contrast dye and whether you are taking any medications.

2. Arrival

• Check-In: First of all, imagine coming to the hospital to gain employment as a staff member, where you first go to the imaging department to sign in. The staff will check your provided information and will also brief you about the process.
• Discussion: The final technologist on the line might explain the method of the scan, and respond to any questions you may have.

3. Positioning

• Lying Down: You will then recline on a padded table that is then moved into the CT scan that is in the form of a large ring.
• Arm Position: Sometimes the doctor may ask you to put your arms up or down to have more clear pictures of the chest area.

4. The Scan

• Breath-Holding: Cleanning process will be coordinated by the head MRI technician who will also tell you to hold your breath for a few seconds to avoid any related body movements which might affect the outcome of the images. This usually happens several times.
• Contrast Material: If a contrast dye is used (injected via an IV), you may experience being warm, and you may develop a metallic taste in the mouth.

1. 5. Duration

Types of Chest CT Scans

Chest CT scans can be more focused or general, depending on the usage, and has more specific techniques than uses of X-rays and MRI. Here are the main types of chest CT scans:

1. Standard CT Scan

• Description: This is the most common type and affords detailed cross-sectional images of chest, lungs, heart and the adjacent structures.
• Uses: They are frequently used to assess tumours, infections or disorders of the lung.

2. High-Resolution CT (HRCT)

• Description: This technique employs the thin slice and emphasizes the lung parenchyma, obtaining high imaging resolution.
• Uses: Recommended for the detection of interstitial lung diseases pulmonary fibrosis and other minor abnormalities of the lung tissue.

3. CT Angiography (CTA)

• Description: This particular CT scan with the application of contrast dye is an injection into the vein to differentiate the veins in the chest cavity.
• Uses: Often used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, Pulmonary Embolism, and vascular malformations.

4. CT-guided Biopsy

• Description: In this procedure the CT imaging is done to direct the needle for the biopsy of suspicious tissue in the chest region.
• Uses: Performed for cases where conventional diagnostic techniques cannot be employed for lung tumour or infection.

1. 1. 5. CT Scan with Contrast

Description: This means that in order to visualize various structures, a contrast agent is given intravenously.

Uses: Used in tumor detection, evaluation of the vascular structures, and as well as in inflammatory process identification.

Benefits of a CT Scan of the Chest

The benefits of CT scan of chest include the following which make it a common tool in current practice. Here are some key benefits:

1. Detailed Imaging

• High Resolution: Contrast enhanced tomography of the chest gives very clear cross-sectional images of lungs, heart, blood vessels and other tissues.
• Soft Tissue Contrast: Better in terms of distinguishing between several types of soft tissues than traditional X-rays.

2. Rapid Assessment

Quick Procedure: The scan usually does not take more than five minutes, meaning the technique is suitable for the evaluation of severe cases, including traumatic ones or acute respiratory distress.

3. Comprehensive Evaluation

• Multiple Conditions: CT scan is commonly used to diagnose various diseases and conditions such as tumors, infections, blood vessels problems and chronic lung diseases.
• Multi-Organ Imaging: Can evaluate multiple structures at the same time within the thoracic cavity which gives the whole picture.

4. Guidance for Procedures

• Biopsy Assistance: CT scans can help plan biopsies where abnormal tissues can be accessed with the use of CT scans.
• Interventional Procedures: Aids in the planning and management of drainage of fluids and / or abscesses in the chest cavity.

5. Non-Invasive

Safety: CT scans are not invasive and they give very important details without the use of surgery being performed.

6. Observing Disease Development

Follow-Up: Beneficial for observing the efficiency of treatment of such diseases as cancer or chronic lung disorders as well as making changes when necessary.

7. Detection of Early Disease

Early Diagnosis: Better at identifying abnormalities at a comparatively early stage than some other types of imaging which can be quite important for diseases such as lung cancer.

8. Contrast Options

Enhanced Visualization: The application of contrast agents helps visualize the blood vessels and particular region, thereby facilitating diagnostics of the vascular diseases and tumors.

• Test Type: CT Scan Chest
• Preparation:
• Wear a loose-fitting cloth
• do not eat anything three hours prior to your CT scan
• Carry Your ID Proof
• Prescription is mandatory for patients with a doctor’s sign, stamp, with DMC/HMC number; as per PC-PNDT Act
• Reports Time: With in 3-4 hours
• Test Price: Rs.1499

How can I book an appointment for a CT Scan for Chest through Medintu? 

To schedule an appointment for a CT Scan for Chest, simply contact Medintu or call our customer care at +919100907036 or +919100907622 for more details and queries.

What is CT of the chest?

Chest CT scan is a type of imaging test that utilizes X-rays and computers to form sectional images of the chest organ including the lungs, heart, arteries and veins around the chest area.

I want to know the reason why I would need a CT scan of the chest?

Computed tomography is applied to detect diseases in the lungs, infections, tumors, pulmonary thrombi, and when evaluating chest pain or dyspnoea. They can also be applied to control some medical operations.

Is a CT scan painful?

Most of the time, CT scans do not cause patients any pain. The radiation does not emit itself through the skin, but when giving injections of contrast agents ( if any) you may feel a pinch.

What is the time frame for the procedure?

The scanning, however, may only last between 10 to 30 minutes; this can however be broken down by the time spent before the scan itself.

Do I have to wear that hospital gown where everyone can see me?

Yes, depending on the examination to be conducted the doctor may ask you to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown to avoid covering the area of examination more so if the garment has metal parts.

Is it required to do something before the scan?

Preparation may also consist of keeping away from food for some hours if application of contrast dyes will be necessary. This will depend with your current circumstances and your healthcare provider will advise you as to what to do.

What are the dangers of a CT scan?

Though, the only downside is that a CT scan preserves a certain amount of ionizing radiation that you would come across in general but the advantages of accurate diagnosis clearly outcompensate for it. He or she will determine necessary conditions for the performance of the scan and taking into account your medical history at first.