CT scan of the chest cavity

Computed tomography of the chest cavity is a painless and fast way to get comprehensive information about the condition of the examined organs. During the study the device takes a lot of images (slices), the intervals between them are less than a millimeter. On the basis of these slices the computer forms a three-dimensional model. CT scan of individual organs of the chest cavity can also be performed: lungs, mediastinum and chest.

Chest CT allows visualization of the heart, lungs, mediastinal organs, esophagus, lymph nodes, and soft tissues.

Its results can diagnose diseases such as:

• structural abnormalities of organs;
• aortic aneurysm;
• aortic wall dissection;
• atherosclerosis;
• pleurisy;
• pneumonia;
• lung abscess;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• rib fractures and cracks;
• hemo- and pneumothorax;
• hemopericardium;
• neoplasms and metastases;
• diaphragmatic hernias;
• lymph node involvement.

If the examination is performed without a contrast material, no special preparation is required. The patient only needs to take off metal accessories and jewelry: watches, chains, crosses, hairpins, earrings, etc.

If a CT scan is supposed to be performed with a contrast material, it is forbidden to take food or liquids 4-6 hours before the study. In this case, you may also need to do a blood test to check the condition of the kidneys, measure blood pressure or conduct an electrocardiogram. It is bound to the fact that one of the indications for CT with contrast material is renal or heart failure.

During the computed tomography the patient lies on his back on the table of the scanner. If the examination is performed with a contrast material, a catheter is inserted into the vein, through which an automatic injector delivers a contrast agent – thus, the administration of insufficient or excessive amounts of the drug is excluded.

During the study the diagnostician is located in the room adjacent to the room where the scanner is located. This allows observing the patient's condition through a special window. The tomographic scanner is also equipped with a special intercom device, which makes the communication between the doctor and the patient possible. The patient does not experience any pain or discomfort during a CT scan procedure. All that is required during the examination is to lie motionless, as the patient's movements may cause the image blur.

After the study the patient receives the diagnostician’s conclusion and a film with the results of the examination. Immediately after the CT scan the patient can return to the daily activities.

The study is carried out on a modern tomographic scanner Somatom Go.Up, manufactured by the German company Siemens. One of its advantages is a minimum radiation exposure for the patient and no harm to his/her health.

You can make an appointment for a CT scan of the chest cavity by calling or by leaving a message to the chat operator on our website.

If the CT scan is performed with contrast, then 4-6 hours before the start of the study, it is forbidden to eat or drink. In this case, it may also be necessary to conduct a blood test to check the condition of the kidneys, measure blood pressure or conduct an electrocardiogram. This is due to the fact that one of the contraindications to performing a CT scan with contrast is the presence of renal or heart failure in the patient.

Before performing a CT scan of the OCP with contrast, a catheter is inserted into the vein, through which an automatic injector delivers the contrast agent - thus, the introduction of an insufficient or excessive amount of the drug is excluded. After the diagnosis is completed, the contrast is naturally excreted from the body. To speed up this process, it is recommended to drink more water.

Chest CT may be contraindicated in:

• renal failure;
• liver failure;
• decompensated diabetes mellitus;
• allergy to iodine or other components of the contrast medium;
• the presence of metal implants in the body;
• acute diseases.

These contraindications apply mainly to chest computed tomography with contrast. In the presence of any diseases, the specialist individually decides whether the study can be performed.

The price of a CT scan of the OGK may vary depending on:

• whether the examination is performed with or without contrast enhancement;
• the need for urgent description of the images.

You can find out the prices for CT scans at "Oxford Medical" here. 

A non-urgent CT scan without contrast is cheaper, while a CT scan with contrast of the chest is slightly more expensive. The doctor must determine which examination will be more informative. CT with contrast allows for clearer images of soft tissues and is prescribed for the diagnosis of neoplasms and other morphological diseases. But without clear indications, it is not performed, but a regular chest CT scan is performed.