Computed Tomography

The Medical Centers provide patients with 2 state-of-the-art Computer Tomography machines.

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging method that uses X-rays to create detailed images of body structures.

Computed tomography allows for obtaining highly accurate images in a very short time so that a correct diagnosis can be obtained quickly.

Computerized tomography (CT) can examine any part of the body, such as the head, cervical region, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or limbs. Different organs can be investigated in detail, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart. Blood vessels, bones, and spinal cord can also be studied.

General Electric CT Optima 660

General Electric CT Optima 660 128 Slice state-of-the-art equipment is the perfect solution for expanding clinical exploration capabilities, from simple to complex, thanks to the exceptional scanning speed and the options the device is equipped with.

General Electric CT Optima 660 128 Slice is equipped with modern technology to reduce the radiation dose administered to the patient. Options such as Smart Dose, 3D mA modulation, and Organ dose modulation help to decrease the dose administered to the patient.

Philips MX16

Intended for performance and patient care, the Philips MX16 CT system has the lowest CT dose index, maintaining image quality at the highest standards through increased spatial resolution and unique image acquisition on a 1024 x 1024 pixel matrix.

The examination table is robust and reliable, facilitating a comfortable and precise positioning of any type of patient, and being helpful in the case of overweight patients.

Information about computed tomography

Computerized tomography (CT) can examine any segment of the body, such as the head, cervical region, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or limbs. Different organs of the body can be investigated in detail, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart. Blood vessels, bones, and the spinal cord can also be examined.

What is Computed Tomography (CT)?

the imaging investigation method that uses X-rays to obtain detailed, precise images of the internal organs;
the technique is completely atraumatic and minimally invasive (it is possible to inject iodinated contrast substance intravenously);
the amount of X-radiation is optimized by the device to obtain maximum medical information with minimum exposure of the patient;
CT is used for diagnosis in any region of the body (head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal, etc.);
our clinics benefit from the latest generation multislice CT equipment;
the obtained images can be reconstructed in three dimensions afterward, which allows a superior evaluation of the investigated organs.

How do I prepare for the CT exam?

in the case of examinations of the abdomen and pelvis, do not eat 3-4 hours before the investigation;
if you suffer from diabetes or other chronic conditions, you can take your basic treatment and have a light snack;
you will complete a questionnaire in the clinic that establishes the reason for the examination and possible contraindications;
metal objects must be removed (watches, keys, coins, jewelry);
they can affect the quality of the image;
you can receive a robe during the investigation instead of your clothes;
for some investigations (CT abdominopelvic) it may be necessary to drink a liquid in the clinic before the investigation (20-60 minutes) for a better delimitation of the intestine;
some CT investigations can be completed with the administration of iodinated contrast substance intravenously for additional characterization of the lesions and the evaluation of the function of the evaluated organs;
you may be asked for recent blood tests, especially urea, and creatinine, which provide information on kidney function; it is in your interest to provide them;
the modified analyzes may constitute a contraindication for the administration of intravenous iodinated contrast.
recent barium examination (barite transit, irrigography) (less than 2-3 days) is a contraindication for abdominal CT.

How is the CT exam performed?

you will be asked to lie on the table of the device, which will easily enter the center of the scanner, allowing the positioning of the body region to be studied between the X-ray and the detectors of the device;
the field of the CT detectors is wide and permissive, so that you will not experience claustrophobia;
during the examination the table moves easily;
you are permanently supervised by an operating physician throughout the investigation, visually and aurally;
during the examination you must remain still;
you can receive breathing commands (“take a deep breath and stop breathing”, etc.) or positioning commands (“raise your hands above your head”);
for some exams, intravenous iodinated contrast injection is necessary to improve the visualization of the internal organs;
it is possible to feel heat locally or throughout the body during the injection, this is a normal reaction;
the injection decision belongs only to the radiologist;
a small percentage of patients have a transient feeling of nausea, but usually it passes quickly;

How long does a CT exam take?

the scan can take a few seconds, but positioning the patient, and the device and repeating the scan after injecting the contrast substance can take up to 20 minutes;
after the end of the investigation, you may be asked to wait until the doctor analyzes the images to decide whether additional scans are necessary or not.
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IMPORTANT:

notify the doctor if you are pregnant; there are severe CT examination restrictions because the fetus can be affected;
the exception is the case where the mother’s life is endangered (eg: intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to a vascular malformation) when the benefit exceeds the risk of irradiation;
notify the doctor if you have kidney disease or diabetes;
they may contraindicate, depending on the severity, the administration of intravenous iodinated contrast;
in a small number of patients, the iodinated contrast substance can trigger allergic reactions (reddening of the skin, much less often swelling of the face or breathing difficulties);
the risk of allergy is increased in patients with a history of allergies in the past or bronchial asthma; notify the doctor before the investigation;
allergic reactions can be prevented or treated with specific medication.