What is computed tomography of the lung?

Computer tomography of the lungs is a layered X-ray imaging of the structures and organs of the chest. Ordinary radiography is a snapshot of the whole organ or part of it. Due to superposition of one layer of tissue on another (superposition), small pathological formations in such a picture may be poorly visible or not visualized at all. To eliminate such disturbances, the spiral tomography method is used all over the world today, it makes it possible to obtain a separate image of the transverse layers of the organ.

What is a computed tomography?

Computed tomography of the lung, as well as computed tomography of the sinuses of the nose, is an X-ray examination in which transverse images of the entire organ are created using a computer image. Images are produced by a ring-shaped X-ray machine, which makes images of the lung at different angles. The main advantage of computed tomography before conventional X-ray examination is its high sensitivity to the detection of pulmonary pathology. In some cases, scanning is carried out in parallel with the introduction of contrast medium (intravenously), this helps to see the position of the lungs much better.

Computed tomography is performed in two modes

Computer tomography of the lung is performed in pulmonary mode and in the regime of mediastinal organs. In the first case, it is possible to clearly track the distribution of intersegmental septa and cracks between the lobes, the state of all bronchi and practically all pulmonary vessels. In a mediastinal study, one can consider the trachea, both parts of the aorta, the heart and its chambers, the trunk and branches of the pulmonary artery, and the hilar lymph nodes. Computer tomography of the lung does not require anything special from the patient, except that it is a few minutes in a horizontal position and, at the doctor's request, hold your breath for a while.

In what cases is CT of the lungs indicated?

Computed tomography of the lung clearly shows bronchi, trachea, pulmonary vessels, thoracic lymph nodes, segments and lobes. It allows to diagnose the damage to the soft tissues of the organ, as well as the condition of large blood vessels - the pulmonary artery and aorta. Computer tomography of the lung is indicated under the following conditions or if they are suspected:

• Bronchoectatic disease, neoplasms in the lung and pleural cavity, the presence of foreign bodies.
• Pathology of the thymus gland, the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, inflammation of the thoracic lymph nodes, changes in the pericardium, diseases of the ribs and sternum.
• Change in the structure of the lung tissue.

Computerized tomography of the lung helps to identify such diseases:

• Pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy.
• Lung cancer or metastasis in the lungs of other organs.
• Presence of pleural effusion.
• Aneurysm of the aorta and pulmonary embolism.
• Emphysema.
• Pathology of the mediastinum.

CT scan of lung is a safe procedure

The uniqueness of the study is that the dose of its radiation is negligible, therefore it differs with difficulty from the counters. This fact allows to apply the study in infants, and the procedure time can be from one to seven minutes. In this case, a tomography of the lung to the child can be performed during sleep and next to it at this time may be a mother or other close person. The presence of metal prostheses, pacemakers and other implants is contraindicated in the conduct of tomography are not. This technique does not cause any special inconvenience to patients with claustrophobia, since it takes quite a bit of time.

Tomography of the lung is a modern study that allows you to conduct early diagnosis of diseases and at the same time keep the patient healthy, and in some cases - life.