What is computed tomography?

Posted by Resident Doctor, Master Tran Duc Tuan - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Computed tomography is considered a breakthrough in medical science and technology in diagnostic imaging, effectively supporting doctors in the process of diagnosis and prognosis, from which it is possible to screen. early cardiovascular diseases, cancer,... So what is computed tomography? The article will help readers better understand the technique of tomography.

Computed tomography is a special X-ray device that is able to produce tomographic images of the body. The computed tomography device consists of a large, almost square chassis in which there is a large hollow cavity and a table for the patient to lie on.
Usually images are acquired slice by slice, but with spiral scanning multi-row computed tomography, a large volume of the body is quickly and accurately cut. The digitized information is then converted into viewable images in all dimensions in the form of 2D or 3D 3D images.
It can be said that tomography is the first non-invasive technique to directly examine a part of the body to evaluate the function and degree of pathology of that part when there are risk factors.
Currently, with regular improvements to serve the examination process, new generations of computed tomography machines appear with different names, including 16-probe computed tomography scanners, multi-slicing computer slicer, or CT 320 computer slicer,...

Computed tomography machine is indicated in the following cases:
Brain scan, cerebral blood vessel, cerebral perfusion. Cardiac angiography, myocardial perfusion, assessment of cardiac function, degree of coronary calcification, degree of narrowing of the lumen and plaque in the vessel wall. Whole body angiography. Capture bones and joints in a static and active state. High-resolution pulmonary angiography, assessment of lung tumor progression, 3D rendering of bronchial tree, bronchoscopy. Lung cancer screening Virtual colonoscopy Routine and non-routine survey on: Diagnosis of abdominal diseases (liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, intestine), virtual colonoscopy, liver and kidney perfusion , determine the nature of urinary stones.

With 16-row computed tomography scanner, multiple anatomical images of the patient can be obtained in a few seconds and converted into 3D images. That means that now images of the body are collected much faster, thereby shortening survey time and increasing patient comfort.
More detailed information is obtained thanks to the ability to generate thin-slice images from the scanner, allowing for early detection of certain diseases in a less invasive way.
Computerized tomography machine 32 is considered a revolution in tomography manufacturing technology, the examination time is shortened, the radiation dose is low and the amount of contrast agent is reduced.
CT 320 with a ball rotation speed of 350 milliseconds/360 degrees, a coverage area of ​​16cm, allows imaging of the heart in one beat and the whole brain in one rotation of the ball.

Depending on which part of the body the CT scan is needed, the patient may be asked to:
Take off pants, shirt, and dress provided by the hospital Remove metal objects, such as belts, jewelry Strength, hairpins, dentures, and eyeglasses, can interfere with the CT scan. Do not eat or drink for a few hours before the CT scan. Contrasting materials help highlight the structure of a certain part of the body that needs detailed examination. Contrast can be given by mouth, by injection, or by enemas. If an infant or toddler is required to have a CT scan, the doctor may recommend sedation to keep the child calm and still. Moving children can blur the image and lead to inaccurate results.

Image capture of the survey is typically less than 10 minutes. However, the duration of the survey may vary depending on the individual clinical requirements of each patient.

Most contrast agents contain iodine, which can cause allergies in some people. If you have any of the following health problems, you should inform your doctor/medical imaging technician:
Allergy to iodine or any other known allergies Patient has asthma If pregnant or in doubt should not be performed. Breastfeeding mothers must wait 24 hours after taking or injecting contrast before breastfeeding again. Today, computed tomography is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital also uses computerized tomography scanners to serve the process of examination, detection and screening. With a system of facilities, modern medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured that they will be examined and treated at Vinmec.