Spiral-computed tomography of the brain, thoracic cavity, lungs, abdominal organs

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The effectiveness of treatment depends entirely on the accuracy of the diagnosis. Often there are so-called "medical errors", when a person is treated for a completely different disease, causing irreparable harm to his body. An incorrectly prescribed therapy leads to a chronic course of the disease or even a lethal outcome. More recently, in medicine, a spiral-computer tomography has been used, which allows an accurate diagnosis.

The essence of the

methodology What is a computed tomography? This is a high-tech method, characterized by numerous advantages and unique accuracy. At the same time, the doctor receives the result much faster than with standard procedures.

spiral computed tomography

How is spiral-computed tomography performed? During its carrying out the table on which the patient should lay, starts to move smoothly and slowly. Around it, the X-ray tube with the detectors located on its surface begins to rotate in the same way.

The device is able to recognize neoplasms of very small size, up to 1 mm. This allows for timely detection and cure of cancer. Scanning of one anatomical area is carried out within 5 minutes, and the laser camera performs large-format shots.

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A striking effect is achieved on 64-slice modern high-speed scanners - at a low level of exposure, two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of excellent quality are obtained.

Indications

Spiral tomography is necessary in the following cases:

  • examination of the brain, as a result of which the doctor can detect the areas of a stroke and injured blood vessels;
  • detection of inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses;
  • establishing the cause of neck lymph nodes;
  • confirmation of the diagnosis before surgery on the abdominal cavity;
  • revealing changes in the lungs;
  • diagnosis of intervertebral hernia.

Advantages of

spiral computed tomography of the brain

Spiral computed tomography has certain advantages over conventional methods of investigation:

  • Scanning( collection of information) is carried out very quickly. For a short period of time, an image of a certain anatomical area is formed, while the quality of the images is very high.
  • 3D spatial images are more accurate, and 3D models show the specific location of the pathology. Using spiral scanning techniques allows you to examine arteries, detect aneurysms of vessels, their extent, narrowing.
  • Non-invasive versus myelography, ventriculography.
  • The images do not show artifacts from the blood flow.
  • Compared with conventional tomography, patient radiation exposure to X-rays is reduced.

How is the procedure performed?

4 hours before the tomography is performed, you can not drink and eat. Sometimes a patient is required to drink a contrast agent before examining specific organs.

spiral computed tomography of the abdominal cavity

To make a spiral computed tomography, the patient should lie on a table that is movable, so that it is rolled into a special tunnel. To make it more convenient for the researcher, the table is equipped with special straps and cushions. This helps during the examination to limit its movement, so that the images are not blurred and clear.

For those patients who, for certain reasons, can not stay still for a long time and hold their breath for a short time, sedatives are administered.

In another room there is a computer station, behind which a doctor-technologist works, using the screen to control the scanner and giving the patient appropriate directions.

Spiral-computed tomography is considered quite safe. Although during the examination the patient receives a small amount of X-ray irradiation, but it is so small that it does not cause any harm to the body.

Contraindications

There is a certain risk of an allergic reaction when the patient is injected with a contrast agent or sedative.

If the patient suffers from asthma, diabetes, kidney failure, thyroid disease or heart disease, he must necessarily inform the doctor.

spiral computed tomography of the thoracic cavity

This procedure is contraindicated in pregnant women. If it is carried out in case of emergency, the belly is covered with a lead shield. It is also forbidden to examine those patients who have pacemakers, ferromagnetic implants, and weighing more than 130 kg.

Abdominal examination

Spiral computed tomography of the abdominal cavity allows you to see a clear multilayered image of organs such as the spleen, liver, pancreas and others. Conduct it if the patient complains of pain in the pelvis, abdomen, as well as in certain diseases of the large and small intestine.

to make a spiral computed tomography

In addition, the procedure is necessary for diagnosis:

  • appendicitis, diverticulitis, pyelonephritis, stones in the bladder and kidneys;
  • cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, internal bleeding, polyps and inflammatory processes in the intestine;
  • of cancerous tumors of the abdominal cavity;
  • diseases of lymph nodes and vessels.

Spiral computed tomography of abdominal organs is performed with the obligatory use of contrast medium.

Lung examination

This procedure is necessary for the detection of lung cancer and metastases. Spiral computed tomography of the lungs is prescribed in the event that there are all signs of a malignant tumor of these organs, and the X-ray image was not able to give accurate information about it. In addition, the examination is prescribed for tuberculosis, lung abscess, parasitic lung cysts, sarcoidosis, pneumonia.

spiral computed tomography of the lungs

Before carrying out the procedure, the patient is injected into the vein with a contrast agent containing iodine. If this medicine is allergic, you should inform your doctor about it.

Brain examination

Spiral computed tomography of the brain is widely used for the diagnosis of severe and very serious head injuries, with high intracranial pressure, changes in blood circulation. The device is able to detect pathological conditions( neoplasms, abscesses, cavities) that are not visible on a conventional tomograph. With this procedure, the probability of detection and prevention of strokes and heart attacks increases.

spiral computed tomography of abdominal organs

In addition, spiral tomography is necessary in the following cases:

  • for establishing the causes of headaches, sudden paralysis, periodic obscuration of consciousness, various visual disturbances, in case of sensitivity of certain areas of the body;
  • if there is a suspicion of a brain tumor, rupture of the aortic aneurysm, intracranial bleeding;
  • for establishing a violation of the function of the inner ear in case of hearing impairment;
  • if it is necessary to work out a plan for the forthcoming operation or to evaluate the success of an operation on the brain;
  • to identify the damaged areas of the brain.

Sometimes the examination of the brain requires the use of contrast medium, which greatly facilitates the detection of cysts, atherosclerotic plaques, tumors, metastases, clots.

Chest cavity examination

Spiral computed tomography of the thoracic cavity is used to detect tubercle foci, bronchopleural fistula and bronchiectasis cavities. This procedure allows you to accurately locate the tumor, rupture or stratification of the walls of blood vessels, to reveal an increase in lymph nodes.

Successfully used such examination in oncosurgery, allowing to study the condition of a cancerous tumor, determine its boundaries and dimensions. In some cases, spiral tomography is prescribed for the detection of foreign bodies, for the urgent establishment of causes of dyspnea or with difficulties with swallowing.

Conclusion

Thus, the spiral-computer tomography is a modern method of examining various organs, allowing very accurately to establish the correct diagnosis. Doses of radiation in such a study are so insignificant that they do not do any harm to a person, so do not be afraid of such a procedure.