In computed tomography (CT), an x-ray source and x-ray detector rotate around a person. In modern scanners, the x-ray detector usually has 4 to 64 or more rows of sensors that record the x-rays that pass through the body. Data from the sensors represent a series of x-ray images taken from multiple angles all around the person. However, the images are not viewed directly but are sent to a computer. The computer converts them into images that resemble 2-dimensional slices (cross-sections) of the body. (Tomo means slice in Greek.) The computer can also construct 3-dimensional images from the recorded images. CT used to be called CAT (computed axial tomography).

Procedure

For CT, a person lies on a motorized table that is moved through the opening of a doughnut-shaped scanner. The person is moved continuously through the scanner as these devices rotate around the person. For some CT scans, the table moves incrementally and stops when each scan (slice) is taken. For other CT scans, the table moves continuously during scanning. Because the person is moving in a straight line and the detectors are moving in a circle, the series of images appear to be taken in a spiral fashion around the person, hence the term spiral (helical) CT.

People should wear clothing that has no buttons, snaps, zippers, or other metal in it over the area to be scanned and should remove any jewelry. Such items are not dangerous but may block x-rays and distort the image. During the test, they must remain still and periodically hold their breath when the x-rays are taken so that the images are not blurred. People may hear whirring sounds during the procedure. The procedure, depending on the area examined and how modern the scanner is, usually takes from only a few seconds to a few minutes. CT of the chest takes less than a minute, and people have to hold their breath only once and only for a few seconds.

For CT, people may be given a contrast agent (see Common Imaging Tests: Contrast Agents). Contrast agents are substances that can be seen on x-rays (called radiopaque dyes) and help distinguish one tissue from another. The dye may be injected into a vein, taken by mouth, or inserted through the anus. The dye used depends on what type of test is done and which body part is being evaluated.

CT can be done as an outpatient procedure. People can resume their usual activites immediately after the test.

Imaging the Interior: Computed Tomography In computed tomography, a scanner produces and records x-rays as it rotates around a person, who is moved through the scanner on a motorized table. On one side of the scanner is an x-ray tube, which produces x-rays, and on the other side is an x-ray detector.

Uses

The highly detailed images provide more detail about tissue density and location of abnormalities than plain x-rays, so doctors can precisely locate structures and abnormalities. CT often enables the examiner to distinguish between different types of tissue, such as muscle, fat, and connective tissues. Thus, CT can provide detailed images of specific organs not visible on plain x-rays and is more useful for imaging most structures in the brain, head, neck, chest, and abdomen.

CT can detect and provide information about disorders in almost every part of the body. For example, doctors can use CT to detect a tumor, measure its size, precisely locate it, and determine how far it has spread into nearby tissues. CT can also help doctors monitor the effectiveness of treatment (such as antibiotics for a brain abscess or radiation therapy for a tumor).

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Some Disorders Detected by Computed Tomography Body System Disorders Brain and spinal cord Bleeding within the brain Birth defects Brain abscesses Brain tumors Hydrocephalus Strokes (ischemic) Ruptured or herniated disks Spinal fractures Gastrointestinal tract Appendicitis Blockages in the intestine Diverticulitis Pancreatitis Tumors Eyes A foreign body in the eye Infections in the eyeball and infections around the eye socket (orbit) Tumors of the eye socket (orbit) or optic nerve Heart and blood vessels Aortic aneurysm Aortic dissection Kidneys and urinary tract Bleeding in or around the kidneys Stones in the kidneys or urinary tract Tumors in or around the kidneys Liver Fatty liver (excess fat in the liver) Liver tumors Lungs Bronchiectasis (widened airways) Emphysema Lung tumors Pneumonia Pulmonary embolism Muscles and bones Fractures (sometimes)

Variations

CT Angiography: This procedure uses CT and a radiopaque dye to produce 2- and 3-dimensional images of blood vessels, including the arteries that supply the heart (coronary arteries). The dye is injected into a vein (not an artery as in conventional angiography), usually in the arm. Images are taken rapidly and are timed so that they show the dye flowing through the blood vessels being evaluated. The computer digitally removes all tissues except blood vessels from the images.

CT angiography is used to detect the following:

• Narrowing or blockages (such as blood clots) in arteries
• Bulges (aneurysms) and tears (dissections) in large arteries
• Abnormal blood vessels that carry blood to tumors

CT angiography is commonly used instead of conventional angiography because it is safe and less invasive (it does not require insertion of a catheter in an artery). CT angiography shows abnormalities in blood vessels about as accurately as magnetic resonance angiography, but slightly less accurately than conventional angiography. CT angiography usually takes only 1 to 2 minutes.

Disadvantages

Typically, CT of the abdomen uses about 500 times the amount of radiation used for a chest x-ray. CT now accounts for most exposure to man-made radiation in the general population and for about 70% of radiation exposure in medical practice. Therefore, the doctor and person should carefully weigh the benefit of each CT procedure against the risks (see Common Imaging Tests: Risks of Radiation). Generally, CT is avoided when possible in pregnant women unless there is no good alternative. Use of CT in children should be limited as much as possible.

The radiopaque dye used in CT angiography contains iodine. A few people have a mild to severe allergic reaction or kidney damage after such dyes are injected (see Common Imaging Tests: Side Effects). People who have had reactions to radiopaque dyes should let their doctor know before CT angiography is done.

In some countries and in some areas of the United States, CT is not readily available.

Last full review/revision April 2008 by Jon A. Jacobson, MD