Medical Imaging
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY(CT)
By Rashida Kabore and Kwetey Magdalene
COMPUTED ToMOGRAPHY
• Computed Tomography (CT) is a medical imaging technique
that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed
cross-sectional images of the body. It is also known as a CT
scan or CAT scan (Computed Axial Tomography)
PURPOSE Of CT scan
• CT scan provide healthcare professionals with a non-invasive
way to visualize the internal structures of the body, including
organs, tissues, bones, and blood vessels. CT scans can detect
and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including
injuries, infections, tumors, fractures, and abnormalities .
Types of CT scan
• Contrast-Enhanced CT**: Contrast material (dye) may be used to enhance the
visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels.
2. **Cardiac CT**: Specifically focuses on the heart and blood vessels in the chest.
3. **CT Angiography**: Produces detailed images of blood vessels and can detect
blockages or abnormalities.
4. **Virtual Colonoscopy**: Uses CT to visualize the colon and rectum for
screening for colorectal cancer.
IMPORTANCE OF CT SCAN
1. Detect and localize abnormalities: CT scans can identify and locate tumors, cysts,
infections, and other conditions within the body.
2. Assist in treatment planning: CT scans help healthcare providers determine the
appropriate treatment plan, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or medication.
3. Monitor disease progression: CT scans can track the progression or regression of
diseases over time, allowing for adjustments in treatment.
4. Guide surgical procedures: CT scans provide surgeons with detailed information
about the anatomy of the patient, enabling precise and targeted surgeries.
5. Assess treatment effectiveness: CT scans can be used to evaluate the response of
tumors or other conditions to treatment, helping to monitor progress and adjust
therapies accordingly.
How does CT scan works
A CT scan works by combining X-ray images taken from multiple angles around the body to
create detailed cross-sectional images. Here is a simplified explanation of how a CT scan
works:
1. **X-ray Generation**: The CT scanner emits X-ray beams that pass through the body.
2. **Detection**: Detectors on the opposite side of the body capture the X-rays after they
pass through the body.
3. **Data Acquisition**: The data collected by the detectors is sent to a computer, which
processes the information.
4. **Image Reconstruction**: The computer uses advanced algorithms to reconstruct a series
of cross-sectional images, called slices, of the body.
5. **Visualization**: The slices are then compiled to create a three-dimensional image that
can be viewed on a monitor.
