SKT chest – when and why is assigned that shows

spiral CT (spiral computed tomography) of the chest is performed to study the state of the lungs and the mediastinum. There are two versions of procedures: simple and contrasting.

A simple image obtained by passing x-ray sensor in a spiral. During the procedure visible slice thickness 1 mm.

In the future, using automated software, you can get a 3D model of the chest. This study is called virtual. In order to get it, you must put the person on a special diagnostic table of a computer tomograph.

spiral CT of the chest

The Second type of act is a contrast examination. It is necessary for additional visualization of the pleural cavity or the mediastinum. By injection of contrast into the vacant cavity is sometimes possible to identify additional shadows that aren't defined in the normal procedure.

what is assigned to

spiral CT of the chest is a qualitative research method, which is indicated for confirming the diagnosis. When other methods are ineffective, is assigned to the SCT.

Very often in inpatient institutions using this method it is possible to detect tuberculous lesions, and bronchiectatic cavity and bronchopleural fistula. Computed tomography (spiral) allows to determine the localization of the tumor, dissection or rupture of the vessel wall, the prevalence of cancer, and to identify swollen lymph nodes.

In Oncology radiodiagnosis this allows you to examine the state of the cancer node, set its boundaries, determine dimensions of the area for surgery. Sometimes computer research of the chest cavity is assigned to identify foreign bodies, when it is necessary urgently to establish the cause of shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing.spiral CT of the thorax

Equipment for conducting spiral computed tomography

Spiral computed tomography has become a widespread practice. Since 1986, the technique started to spread all over the world.

Over 20 years of SCT revealed a new direction in the development of the Oncology. The procedure is considered to be one of the best quality. Layer-by-layer scanning allows to study separately, using 1 mm each layer of the structure of the thorax.

The procedure requires special equipment. It is a diagnostic table, on which laid. Along it moves in a spiral tube with an x-ray emitter. It emits a thin beam, which is recorded by a special sensor.

Rapid rotation of the tube in a helical CT scanner reduces the amount of radiation exposure to the spine. To further reduce radiation exposure enables the directed study of individual vertebral segments. For these purposes, before running the SCT assigned to radiography of the chest in frontal and lateral projections.

Besides, the modern equipment allows to get qualitative images and the 3D model.

The advantages of helical CT include rapid and reliable information – more than 98%. Manipulation allows you to make high-quality reconstruction of images. New perspectives in the development of the methodology offers a contrast study. It complements the list of radiodiagnosis and often allows to save a life.

About 20 years ago in CT, there were limitations on the patient's weight. If a person weighs 130 pounds, when conducting research, there were limitations. Modern equipment for SKT does not create such inconvenience.

Thus, spiral computed tomography allows to identify what is not available to other x-ray techniques. The study has a high reliability, but many medical clinics don't have enough money for the purchase of such equipment.