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Computed tomography of the whole body is aimed at revealing a hidden human disease and then helping to draw up a specific program for further treatment based on the results obtained. According to the classification features, this format for searching for the focus of the disease is classified as non-invasive. In practice, this means no risk of injury and safety during the manipulation itself.
The modern approach
Computed tomography, which is also briefly referred to as simply CT, is considered one of the most accurate ways to determine the focus of the disease. Therefore, many potential people wishing to check their health are interested in how much the procedure costs. But the exact cost can only be announced by the administration of the medical center where the examination will be carried out. Also, the price will depend on the need to use the contrast method.
On the technical side, tomography of a new generation is the use of special X-ray equipment together with a computer station.
The result of the combined assessment is presented in the form of images of the internal organs. Images are collected after multiple fixations while maintaining complete immobility of the patient. Each such control slice is superimposed on the previous one, which allows you to demonstrate high-precision visualization, which is displayed on a computer screen for ease of viewing.
If necessary, the resulting picture is even printed out or transferred to any suitable digital medium.
Experts confirm that tomography is an improved version of the classic x-ray, allowing a more detailed view of the alleged source of pathology. Innovative diagnostics does an excellent job of fixing the state of not only internal organs, but also soft tissues with blood vessels that surround them. Viewed on the finished images and bones.
Usually, the presented technique is used by patients of oncological dispensaries who have suspicions of cancerous neoplasms of various localization. But the capabilities of the device are not limited to this and provide for the ability to fix foci of cardiovascular diseases and other diseases.
Against the backdrop of numerous outdated models of monitoring human health, CT occupies a leading position. Doctors also prefer it because of the speed of reproducing results. Usually it is enough to wait about half an hour to get a detailed conclusion from the diagnostician in emergency mode.
Also, experts highly appreciated the fact that the procedure successfully copes with the monitoring of soft tissues, which is not to be expected from an x-ray. With a composite transverse image, it is possible to examine in detail the state of the organs in the chest, peritoneum and pelvis.
Despite assurances from technicians that CT is considered a relatively safe test option, not all patients believe this. But in fact, what harm can such a technique bring if impulses that are safe for humans are used for it? All contraindications to the appointment of tomography are relative, which once again confirms the preponderance of its benefits over possible harm.
Indication for appointment
Recognized as one of the best ways to diagnose neoplasms of various etiologies, CT allows you to confirm or refute the presence of a tumor. In addition to finding the source of cancer of the lungs, kidneys, or any other internal organ, the diagnostic results help determine its location. All the same picture gives a detailed idea of the severity of damage to surrounding tissues. CT is one of the most productive examinations that help to detect vascular diseases of any localization. Usually they lead to the fact that the patient eventually faces acute renal failure, which reduces the standard of living of the victim or leads to death.
Using conventional means to accurately recognize the reason for the failure of the vessels is a problematic task. But with the help of a modern approach, there is a chance to deal even with pulmonary embolism, as evidenced by the presence of a blood clot in the respiratory system. By an identical principle, an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is determined.
Even classic injuries such as damage to the bone skeleton are detected by CT with higher accuracy than the X-ray image, which is considered outdated.
The difference lies in the ability to capture the diagnosis of even small bones along with the surrounding muscles and blood vessels.
The presented method of helping the patient is not carried out in all even private clinics. There are several reasons for this situation, including the fact that tomography for the sake of prevention is unlikely to be done without a doctor’s prescription, which limits the circle of clients.
First, the attending doctor must gather enough grounds to issue a referral for such an analysis, based in his conclusions on the current state of health of the victim, his complaints and the indications of the medical record.
Most often, the reasons for sending the alleged patient to the diagnostic room are:
- pain syndrome of unknown etiology;
- frequent fainting or dizziness for no apparent reason;
- suspicion of oncology without the ability to recognize the focus in another way;
- monitoring the spread of metastases;
- clarification of the diagnosis with the latent nature of the disease;
- injuries with suspected internal bleeding;
- preparatory stage before surgery.
But all of the above is not a complete list of recommendations for the procedure. Sometimes it is prescribed in cases of suspicion of rare hereditary or acquired anomalies.
Relative contraindications
The list of contraindications only partially limits the number of possible patients. But in emergency cases, when a person’s life is at stake, the harm in some respects is much inferior to the benefit of the examination.
From this follows the conclusion that each doctor independently decides what will be better for his ward. The main prohibitions for holding are only three points:
- individual intolerance to the components of the contrast agent;
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- renal insufficiency.
The first option covers a possible allergic reaction to iodine, even in minimal proportions.
The rule applies only to those patients who are additionally prescribed a contrast stage to increase the productivity of the analysis.
If the patient is not sure that his body calmly tolerates iodine, then he will be asked to additionally undergo an allergic test.
It is not worth abandoning it even for the sake of saving time, since the consequences can be significant. Detoxification then occurs naturally over a period of approximately one day.
Despite the impact of minimal doses on the alleged problem area, this can still adversely affect the development of the fetus. From this the second contraindication follows logically.
A little easier with lactation. In case of urgent need, a study is carried out, you should simply refrain from breastfeeding for at least the next couple of days, provided that contrast has been used.
Also, the danger is renal failure, both in the acute stage of the course of the disease, and in the chronic form.
The ban is explained by the fact that the organ responsible for filtering the injected contrasting components will significantly slow down the process due to iodine. So, instead of being excreted naturally, toxins will be stored inside the body, poisoning it.
Such a diagnostic format is especially negative after frequent checks, which is necessary with primary vague results.
Modern classification
The development of science has allowed the creation of several branches of computed tomography, which annually save the lives of thousands of people around the world. Today’s models of equipment have significantly improved the quality of images by providing them with a separate ability.
Technicians have worked to ensure that X-rays penetrate into the deeper layers, which guarantees a detailed visualization of all structures of the human body.
Schematically, all versions of CT can be divided into two groups:
- spiral;
- multispiral.
The first category is an innovative manipulation, which is designed to provide the most informative answer to the tasks set by the doctor.
The technology of creating images with a minimum step of half a centimeter helps him in this. And this is provided that the device is in continuous motion mode, rotating around the medical couch, on which the patient is located.
Such a strategy guarantees a reduction in the time of the entire procedure, which will especially appeal to those who suffer from the fear of closed spaces. Also, a spiral examination has a minimum radiation exposure, which is really pleasing, if necessary, to examine not just one organ, but the whole body at once.
The results obtained help to verify the preliminary diagnosis in order to draw up a specific plan for therapeutic, restorative therapy in the future.
More complex in terms of technical progress is the multi-spiral variation, which is based on an improved model of the previous version. Only here, to reduce the duration of the procedure, more X-rays are used. With their help, the generation of images is faster and with better resolution. The trump card of the multispiral solution is a negligibly small radiation load on the body.
Separately, it should be said about the additional stage of the study – the contrast. The difference with a standard examination is that the patient is additionally injected with a special substance designed to increase the image detail.
In this case, the patient is first given a classic tomography, and only then, based on preliminary results, they proceed to the contrasting part. It is usually used for pinpointing pathology. After tissue absorption of contrast enhancers, it is possible to visualize the problem area in more detail, which opens up the possibility to consider the nature of the lesion.
How is the procedure and how to prepare for it?
Scanning involves the use of detectors with narrow X-ray beams. To get the best final picture, the arch of the device itself will rotate, sometimes making clicks. They should not be scared, since even a slight flinch can cause blurring of the overall image. X-ray radiation moves in a spiral, and the computer program responsible for collecting information displays the incoming data on the projection on the screen.
Usually, the preparatory stage for passing such testing is not needed. A person will simply be asked to come in advance in spacious clothes without metal components, and before the procedure itself, remove jewelry and other metal elements. You will even have to leave a hearing aid or a denture nearby. In some clinics, patients are even offered special disposable gowns or hospital pajamas that do not have problematic accessories.
Usually it is enough to give up a couple of hours before the start of the procedure from eating. But if a contrast study option is assigned, then the number of hours of abstinence from food can be increased. Also, you should first inform about taking concomitant medications and a possible allergic reaction to contrast components. You should not be silent about all the known chronic diseases diagnosed by the patient. Some of them are able to lubricate the overall clinical picture, for example, destabilization of the thyroid gland or diabetes mellitus.
The patient will have to be patient, as the entire procedure will have to remain in a fixed position. It can be difficult for some to endure the entire study, because the examination of the body lasts longer than a single organ. Then auxiliary straps come to their aid to fix the torso in a fixed position.
The result of the examination will reveal hidden foreign bodies in the body, as well as possible neoplasms of a malignant format, or abscesses. Also, detailed images help to understand the detection of diverticula, kidney stones, metastases. Based on the information received, an experienced specialist will be able to determine the localization of the inflammatory process and find out the shape and size of the affected area.