Computed Tomography

Computed tomography is an advanced diagnostic tool that creates stunningly detailed images of your internal organs and tissues. Schatzki Associates in Cambridge, Massachusetts, uses state-of-the-art computed tomography to diagnose conditions ranging from heart disease and central nervous system disorders to musculoskeletal trauma and dental problems utilizing low-dose techniques. Call the office today to see how you could benefit from the Schatzki Associates team’s expertise in computed tomography.

What is computed tomography?  

Computed tomography (CT) delivers state-of-the-art imaging to support the diagnosis, disease management, and treatment of numerous medical conditions. CT is also known as computed axial tomography (CAT).

A CT scan creates multiple cross-sectional pictures of your body’s insides using X-rays processed by an advanced computer system. The CT scanner’s electronic detectors determine how much radiation your body absorbs from the X-ray beams going into your tissues. Some CT scans require an injection of contrast material to highlight specific areas.

Each picture the CT scanner takes is a thin cross-sectional slice that provides exceptional detail when combined with the other images.

Your doctor might refer you to Schatzki Associates for a CT scan if they need more information to make a diagnosis. Sometimes standard X-rays or ultrasounds (diagnostic imaging technologies many practices have on-site) don’t provide the fine detail required.

What are CT scans used for?

CT scans have multiple purposes. Some that the Schatzki Associates team provides include:

• Low-dose chest CT screening program for lung cancer
• Brain and spine neuroimaging, including CT myelography
• Gastrointestinal imaging
• Cardiothoracic imaging, including coronary artery and pulmonary CT angiography
• Musculoskeletal trauma evaluation
• Oncologic imaging for cancer diagnosis and monitoring
• Aortic stent graft evaluation
• CT angiography for peripheral vascular disease
• Maxillofacial and dental imaging

The Schatzki Associates team also specializes in minimally invasive CT-guided interventional radiology procedures, such as biopsies, tumor ablations, and abscess drainage. In addition, they perform combined positron emission tomography (PET) and CT scans to deliver a more accurate diagnosis.

What does a CT scan involve?

A CT scanner is a large machine shaped like a donut. You lie on a table that slides inside the donut’s center when it’s time for your procedure. The machine scans your body, during which you’ll hear various noises as it moves and captures the images required. Most CT scans take about 15 minutes.

If your CT scan requires a contrast material, your Schatzki Associates provider puts an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. The contrast dye passes along the slender, flexible tube (cannula) into your bloodstream. If you undergo an abdominal CT scan, you must drink a dilute barium solution two hours before the procedure.

To learn more about CT scans and how they support your medical care, call Schatzki Associates today to book an appointment.