Le chest scanner is a imaging test which makes it possible to “scan” a region of the body and to produce cross-sectional images of the region using a beam of X-rays. It can be used to explore the anatomical structures of the thorax: lungs, pleura, coeur, os, soft tissue, muscles and blood vessels irrigating the bronchi and lungs.

The term “scanner” is actually the name of the medical device, but it is often used to refer to the exam. We also talk about computed tomography or of scanographie.

The principle is simple: X-rays are more or less absorbed by tissues depending on their density. A computer support then makes it possible to analyze the data and create cross-sectional images of the explored region.

The different structures of the thorax are displayed in a gray scale. This makes it possible to identify them and to control their volume, their morphology and to detect any anomalies.

A chest CT scan may be requested in many situations, including:

• following a injury in the thorax, in order to assess the extent and nature of injury

• to diagnose various lung damage

• to determine if a Pulmonary Disease responds to treatment

• in order to detect the presence of tumor or metastasis and to follow their evolution

• to determine the size, shape and position of organs of the thoracic region

• to assess the health of coronary arteries, which irrigate the coeur.

The patient is lying on his back, on his side or on his stomach, depending on the anatomical structures to be explored. It is placed on a table capable of sliding through a ring containing an x-ray tube and rotating around the patient.

The patient should be still during the examination and may even have to hold his breath for a short time. He is alone during the examination, the medical staff being placed behind a protective glass against X-rays. Communication is via a microphone and the staff can intervene at any time.

The examination may require the prior injection of a contrast medium opaque to X-rays (based on iodine), in order to improve the legibility of the images. Usually, the product is injected into the vein before the examination.

By relying on the cross-sectional images obtained with the chest scanner, the doctor will be able to identify:

• of the lung problems, for example pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, embolism, pneumonia, or cancer

• un pleural effusion or pleural pathology (mesothelioma, etc.)

• a accumulation of blood or fluid in the thorax

• un aortic aneurysm

• an enlargement (dilation) of the bronchi
• other chest conditions, etc.

The doctor will suggest appropriate care, and possibly prescribe other examinations to confirm the diagnosis.