What is a CT scan of the Chest?

• Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.
• In a CT scan, an X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ or structure. The X-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the X-ray data and displays it in a 2-D form on a monitor.
• CT scans may be done with or without "contrast." Contrast refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an IV (intravenous) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to show up more clearly on the scan.
• CT scan of the chest can give more details about injuries or diseases of the chest organs including the lung, heart and inside the chest.

Why do I need a CT scan of the Chest?

Chest CT is used to:
• Examine abnormalities found on conventional chest x-rays.
• Help diagnose the causes of clinical signs or symptoms of disease of the chest, such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever.
• Detect and evaluate the extent of tumors that arise in the chest, or tumors that have spread there from other parts of the body.
• Assess whether tumors are responding to treatment.
• Help plan radiation therapy.
• Evaluate injury to the chest, including the heart, blood vessels, lungs, ribs and spine.
Chest CT can demonstrate various lung disorders, such as:
• Benign and malignant tumors.
• Pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis.
• Bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis.
• Inflammation or other diseases of the pleura (the covering of the lungs).
• Interstitial and chronic lung disease.
• Congenital abnormalities.
• CT scanning has recently been approved for screening asymptomatic people who have smoked a significant amount of cigarettes.
• A CT scan may be done when an exam or other test, such as an X-ray, doesnt give enough information.
• This test may also be used to guide needles during biopsies of organs or tumors in the chest. A biopsy is when a small piece of tissue is taken out. It is then looked at in a lab. CT scans can also be used to guide the removal of a sample of fluid from the chest. They are also useful in keeping an eye on tumors and other health problems of the chest before and after treatment.

How to prepare for a CT scan of the chest?

• You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam.
• Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove underwire containing metal.
• Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
• You should inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
• Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, and diabetes or kidney disease.

In case of contrast Examinations:
• You should not to eat or drink anything (fasting) for a few hours (4 to 6 h) before the exam, and do renal function test, inform your doctor or radiology technician if you have any allergies or kidney diseases.