Types of CT Scan

CT scans also known as CAT scans are diagnostic imaging tests that are done to get the images of the inside structure of the body. It can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions from injuries to heart diseases, cancer, liver masses, etc. In this article, we will go through the various types of CT scan available.

CT Angiography –

CT Angiography or Angiogram is done by the doctor when they need to assess the risk of heart disease. It helps the doctors to know the damage that is caused to the blood vessels. It also helps to detect if there is any blockage or aneurysms. Before doing the scan, a dye is injected into the blood vessels to get clearer images of the flow of blood through the body.

CT scan of the bone –

CT Bone scan is done to get clear pictures of the bone and the soft tissues near the bone such as tendons and muscles. It is also helpful in diagnosing cancer in the bone. X-rays can detect fractures in the bone but doctors prefer CT bone scans as it is beneficial in providing detailed information to the doctor.

CT scan of the head –

A head CR is done to get the images of the brain and the other areas of the head such as the sinus. It can help to diagnose brain strokes or tumors. It is done in patients who have a headache but the reason behind it is not clear or in a patient who feels dizziness. It is a good method to determine the reason for inflammation in patients who have ongoing sinus problems.

Cardiac CT scan –

A cardiac CT is done to diagnose problems related to the heart valves, aorta, and other arteries. It focuses majorly on the heart and not just the lungs. It is done to take a clear image of the area of the chest and in some cases like after coronary artery bypass grafting, the doctor might suggest getting a cardiac CT done.

Image Source

CT Abdomen Scan –

CT Abdomen scan is done to diagnose any abscesses in the abdominal area or to discover internal bleeding, or tumor such as those present in the colon. It is done to get clear images of the organs of the digestive tract such as the liver, appendix, spleen, colon, and intestines.

CT scan of the neck –

CT scan of the neck is done to diagnose if there is any tumor or mass in the neck, on the vocal cords, on the tongue, or in the upper airway. It is done to generate images of the area from the base of the skull to the top of the lungs. It is also helpful in detecting if there is an issue with the carotid or any growth or abnormality on the thyroid gland.

Pelvic CT Scan –

A Pelvic Ct scan is done to get the image of the area between the hipbones. It is useful in diagnosing problems related to the male and the female reproductive system or even to identify if there is an issue with the bladder such as bladder stones or tumors.

CT scan of the chest/lungs –

CT scan of the chest is done to get the images of the lungs of a person. It helps the doctor to examine conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, excess fluid in the lungs, and lung cancer. Doctors might suggest this test if a person faces difficulty in breathing or pain in the chest.

CT scan of the kidneys –

A CT scan of the kidney is done to identify tumor, abscess, or if there is any sign of kidney disease. It is done to diagnose the presence of kidney stones.

CT scan of the spine –

CT scan of the spine is done to get images of the spinal structure, the discs between the bones, and the soft tissues of the spinal column. It is used by doctors to detect any loss of bone due to osteoporosis, injury in the spinal area, examine the area before doing surgery, and detect herniated discs. It can also act as an aid during biopsy and other procedures.

Source –

https://www.atlanticmedicalimaging.com/radiology-services/ct/types-of-ct-scans/