Did you know that 84 million CT scans were performed in the U.S. in 2022? CT scans are the most popular medical imaging exams in the U.S., providing sharp, focused three-dimensional images that are superior to standard X-rays.
Computed tomography (CT) was introduced in the early 70s and has become the imaging exam of choice. CT scans are created by using a 360-degree x-ray beam and imaged “slices” to reconstruct the tomographic plane of a patient. CT scans are used for diagnostic purposes and can detect a wide range of abnormalities or diseases, including trauma, infection, cancer, inflammation, pneumonia, tuberculosis, angiography, calcium scoring, sinusitis, bone fracture, stroke, spinal column damage and more.
Let’s take a closer look at some specific studies and how a CT scanner can help with your practice.
Brain studies: CT scans of the brain can detect a variety of types of tumors, stokes and other lesions (like hematomas) in the brain area. Congenital abnormalities in children can also be confirmed with a CT scan.
Sinus studies: CT scanners can show details of sinusitis, including the location and extent of tiny fractures in the sinus and nasal bones. CT scans can also evaluate trauma or disease of the sphenoid bone and can also help pinpoint areas of chronic sinus infection. CT scans are ideal for planning prior to functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Body scans: You can identify abnormal body structures with a CT body scan, which scans from the chin to below the hips. You’ll be able to see tumors, fractures, cysts and other damages. In addition, CT scans can be utilized to observe abdominal organs, including adrenal glands, spleen, pancreas, lymph nodes, kidneys and liver.
Chest scans: CT scans can identify problems in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems as well as detecting tumors and detailing fluid accumulations in chest infections.
Aorta scans: Aorta CT scans enable physicians to locate aneurysms and other aortic diseases in the thoracic or abdominal sections of the aorta. In addition, these scans enable the measurement of an artery’s thickness which aids the diagnosis or aortic aneurysms, aortic clots and aortic ruptures.
Virtual endoscopy: This is a new CT technique that utilizes a spiral CT scan to enable physicians to see inside organs and other structures without the use of surgery or special instruments. One such virtual endoscopy is the CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy. This non-invasive cancer screening method is growing in popularity.
Talk To An Expert
In recent years, CT scanners have become much more affordable. The team of experts at Atlantis Worldwide has been helping clinics, practices, hospitals, urgent care facilities and veterinary clinics find pre-owned CT scanners that deliver performance, warranties and attractive pricing. We have 30 years of experience and would love to help you.
Some blogs you may have missed:
- Should You Buy New Or Used X-Ray and CT Tubes?
- CT Scanner Artifacts- How Do I Correct Streaks?
- The Lowdown on CT & X-Ray Replacement Tubes
- Is Your CT Tube About To Fail?
- Free CT Resources
About the author: Vikki Harmonay
