X-Ray CT Questions Often Asked

There are a multitude of questions asked by patients and caregivers every single day. Many of the topics I could not begin to explain, and many others aren't really appropriate for this forum. Some of the following questions are asked most frequently and I hope they will help you too.

What will a CT of the brain show?
A CAT scan of the brain, or head, will show a number of things. It will demonstrate a number of vascular problems, ie..strokes, cerebral hemmorrage, or an abnormality of vessels that you could have been born with. It can identify masses or tumors, foreign bodies, or fractures of the skull. In some cases fractures or abnormalities of the facial bones are demonstrated. If there is fluid within the sinuses it will be seen as well.

What is a Renal Stone Ct?
This is a CAT scan specifically looking for a kidney store/ & or a subsequent blockage of the kidneys. There is no need for any contrast or dye so it is a Non-invasive type test. Kidney stones will most often show and if there is any blocking of the kidneys (hydronephrosis)

Will a CT show appendicitis?
Many times a CAT scan will show the inflamed appendix (appendicitis). The idea test is an Abdomen/Pelvic CT with contrast. Sometimes the physician will ask for Oral contrast to coat the stomach and intestines and also an IV contrast. This contrast is given through a vein, and it will demonstrate the urinary system. It also helps to enhance vessels around inflamed areas. The appendix may appear enlarged, have thickened walls, or sometimes it may have a calcification inside it called an appendicolith. Occasionally the appendix may not be clearly seen but there will much edema or swelling around the area. This is often a signal of appendicitis. The physician will consult lab results, a clinical evaluation, and often the CT scan before he makes the decision to do surgery.According to the New England Journal of Medicine in 100 consecutive cases of suspected appendicitis Ct scans prevented 13 cases of UN necessary surgery.

What is a CAT Scan?

A CAT Scan is a very popular, yet painless test that helps the physician in diagnosing and treating patients. The machine is a rather large, dougnut shaped machine that allows passage of a slender table so as to take a series of pictures. The machine takes a series of pictures, or slices, of a targeted area. These images
are then linked together by a computer program. The end result is a series of 3
dimensional pictures of the subject area.
The most common reasons for performing CT examinations are:
1) The ability to have a 3-D look at areas within the body, chest, abdomen,etc
2) CT is very helpful in detecting and differentiating different kinds of cancers. The suspected area can be measured and analyzed on different slices, & also compared with surrounding organs & tissues.
3) CT is very good at finding subtle fractures that may not be seen with a regular
x-ray. Spinal problems can often be detected with CT as well.
#4) Ct is great at demonstrating vascular problems such as a stroke, kidney failure, etc.

These are but a few of the most common reasons for doing a CAT scan. Always seek your Doctor's advice to be sure the exam is medically necessary.

The Most Popular X-Ray Ordered

By far the most popular x-ray exam is the Chest x-ray. We do millions of them every year. They are a very simple procedure but the information they provide can often be life saving. Most often the chest exam consists of 2 pictures. One picture we refer to is the PA. This is an abbreviation for Posterior to Anterior. What this means is that they are shooting the x-ray from back to front. You are facing a board that holds the cassette and film so your front side is closest to the film. The second picture is called a Lateral. This simply means that you will be turned to one side & your arms will be brought up out of the way. The x-ray shows a different projection of the chest & heart. It also gives a good look at the Thoracic spine. Occasionally if a person cannot stand or they are done as an Emergency patient, the exam will be done sitting upright and shooting AP, anterior to posterior.

A chest x-ray can tell the doctor a multitude of things. First off, is there fluid in the lungs? Is the heart enlarged? Are there any nodules or tumors seen? Does the patient have emphysema or COPD? Sometimes they look at the bony features. Are there any broken ribs seen? How does the Thoracic or upper spine look? The shoulder joints & clavicles may be seen on some patients & they will check those out as well.

Radiographic exposure for a chest x-ray is very limited. Since the lungs contain only air the x-rays pass through easily to get to the film.

A Short Lesson About Xrays

Most everyone has probably had an x-ray at some time or another. Whether it be for a broken bone, or perhaps a chest x-ray to check for bronchitis or pneumonia. In these modern times x-rays are a very popular tool in the physician's medical bag. One thing to note is that x-rays are formed by Ionizing Radiation. It's a bit complicated to explain but very important to remember that radiation is NOT good for you. It can cause damage to cells & tissues of the body & depending on the amount of radiation it can be serious. Do not panic about that. NO exam that is done medically uses that much radiation. However, the dose of radiation is cumulative, which means it can add up over time. Basically, what you need to know is you don't always "have to have" an x-ray, or Cat Scan. Sometimes patients come in expecting all these tests to be done when they may not be necessary. That is why we go to Doctors. They are trained to understand the symptoms & causes of different diseases or viruses & they are also trained to take care of them. So, if your doctor doesn't think you need an x-ray or CT, take him at his word. If in a week or so you are not feeling better then perhaps he will decide that is the appropriate action.