CT Scans Provide Quick and Invaluable Images

Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) ranks as one of the top five medical developments in the last 40 years, according to most medical surveys. CT has proven so valuable as a medical diagnostic tool that the 1979 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to the inventors.

How it works
Both CT and conventional x-rays take pictures of internal body structures. In conventional x-rays, the structures overlap. For example, the ribs overlay the lung and heart. In an x-ray, structures of medical concern are often obscured by other organs or bones, making diagnosis difficult.

In a CT image, overlapping structures are eliminated, making the internal anatomy more apparent.

During CT imaging, an x-ray tube rotates around the patient so that multiple images are collected from many angles. These images are stored in a computer that analyzes them to create a new image with the overlying structures removed.

CT images allow radiologists and other physicians to identify internal structures and see their shape, size, density and texture. This detailed information can be used to determine if there is a medical problem as well as the extent and exact location of the problem, and other important details. The images can also show if no abnormality is present.

A CT scan that shows no abnormality still provides useful data. The information aids a diagnostician by focusing attention away from unnecessary medical concerns.

Modern CT scanners acquire this information in seconds – sometimes in fractions of a second – depending on the examination.

Benefits of CT include more effective medical management by:
• determining when surgeries are necessary
• reducing the need for exploratory surgeries
• improving cancer diagnosis and treatment
• reducing the length of hospitalizations
• guiding treatment of common conditions such as injury, cardiac disease and stroke
• improving patient placement into appropriate areas of care, such as intensive care units

Head CT Scan
CT of the Head is fast and readily available, which makes it a great choice for trauma evaluation, sudden onset of headaches, and sinus disease. CT is also alternative to MRI when patients cannot have an MRI due to pacemakers, aneurysm clips, pain stimulators and metal implants. IV iodinated contrast media is often indicated for an accurate evaluation of the vasculature and/or disease. The need for IV contrast is determined by the reason for the scan.

The following is a list of the many reasons that CT of the head are done: headaches, cancer, trauma, stroke, visual changes, sinus disease, aneurysm, skull fracture, dizziness, memory loss, and other conditions as deemed necessary.

Neck CT Scan
CT of the neck is the preferred exam when evaluating the soft tissue structures of the neck. The scan includes the orbits through the top of the lungs and is used extensively to evaluate the glands and lymph nodes of the neck. IV iodinated contrast media is often indicated for an accurate evaluation of the vasculature and/or disease. The need for IV contrast is determined by the reason for the scan.

The following is a list of the many reasons that CT of the neck are done: lumps, swelling, goiter, trauma, sore throat, difficult swallowing, hoarseness, and gland or pharynx problems.

Spine CT Scan
CT of the spine including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar is most often done to evaluate injury to the vertebral column and/or post surgery. The bone structure and inter-vertebral disc spaces are well visualized with CT.

CT is also alternative to MRI when patients cannot have an MRI due to pacemakers, aneurysm clips, pain stimulators and metal implants. IV iodinated contrast media is not usually indicated, but may be necessary to evaluate post surgical changes and/or infection.  The need for IV contrast is determined by the reason for the scan.

The following is a list of the many reasons that CT of the spine are done: pain, tingling, scoliosis, fractures, trauma, osteoporosis, numbness, herniated disc, and cancer.

Extremities CT Scans
CT of the extremities is done most often for fracture evaluation or trauma.  CT is also used in conjunction with arthrograms to evaluate joint injuries.  The ability of CT to view anatomy in multiple planes with excellent detail makes CT a popular choice for bone imaging.  IV iodinated contrast media is not usually indicated, but may be necessary to evaluate tumor or infection.  The need for IV contrast is determined by the reason for the scan.

The following is a list of the many reasons that CT of the Extremities are done: fracture, trauma, rotator cuff or meniscus tear, tumor, and bone fragments.

CT scanning provides medical information that is different from other imaging examinations, such as ultrasound, MRI, SPECT, PET or nuclear medicine. Each imaging technique has advantages and limitations. The principal advantages of CT are:
• Rapid acquisition of images
• A wealth of clear and specific information
• A view of a large portion of the body

No other imaging procedure combines these advantages into a single session.

NDIC has Board-certified Fellowship trained Neuroradiologists on staff to interpret your CT’s. You can contact Naples Diagnostic Imaging Center at (239) 593-4222.

Dr. James Lim
B.S., University of Nebraska- Lincoln – 1978

M.D., University of Kansas
School of Medicine – 1983

Residency:
Diagnostic Radiology,
University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center -1988
Certified: American Board of Radiology – 1988
Added Qualification in Neuroradiology – 1995
Fellowship: Neuroradiology, The Johns Hopkins
Hospital – 1990
Areas of Special Interest: Neuroradiology

Naples Diagnostic Imaging Centers
239-593-4222
www.NaplesImaging.com