2. What is a CT scan?
● A CT (computerized tomography) scan is a
medical imaging technique that uses a
combination of x-ray images and
computer processing to create a cross-
sectional images of blood vessels, soft
tissue, and bones in the body
● CT provides more detailed images than a
normal x-ray
● Used to examine internal injuries or other
types of trauma and to plan surgical and
radiation treatment (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-
procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-
20393675#:~:text=A%20computerized%20tomography%20(CT)%20scan,than
%20plain%20X%2Drays%20do )
3. What can a CT scan detect?
● Bone, muscle, and joint problems
○ Ex: tumors and complex bone fractures
● Heart disease
● Cancer
● Internal bleeding (after an accident)
● Liver masses
● Excess fluids
https://www.salemradiology.com/what-can-ct-scans-detect/
4. Is a CT or a MRI better?
CT
MRI
Cheaper (around $1200) More expensive (around $2000)
Faster, it takes about 10 minutes Slower, it takes about an hour or
longer
Fuzzier images Sharper images
Considerable amount of radiation No radiation
CT is preferred by doctors for emergency diagnosis because of the fast
results and relatively neat images. However, MRI is preferred when
doctors need a very clear image, specially of organs and soft tissues.
https://www.healthimages.com/mri-vs-ct-scan/
6. How it Works - Contrast Agents
Bones are dense and therefore easy to image
Soft tissues vary and can be faint or difficult to see
Solution: contrast agents
Substances better at stopping x-rays and more visible on x-ray
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878741/
https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/computed-tomography-ct
7. Usage of Contrast Agents
Lower contrast between adjacent tissues (like liver and tumor) or soft tissues (like clots) in
blood
Higher contrast allows for better images
Goal of Contrast Agents: improve visualization by increasing differentiation, and target
specific tissue of interest
Other important factors: must be safe and non-toxic, retention time long enough for imaging
but will clear out of body soon, and can be deliver in high molarity dosages to decrease
volume needed
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878741/
8. Common Agent
Iodine based agent can be injected into bloodstream and illuminate blood vessels
Can help to find blood vessel obstructions, like in the heart
Oral, barium-based compounds can be used for imaging digestive system
Can help with esophagus, stomach, and GI tract
https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/computed-tomography-ct
9. Cost and Effectiveness
- Depending on circumstances, insurance, location, ect, CT scans can cost between $270-
$5000 (Combination of both technical and professional fees)
- CT scans are considered one of quickest and most accurate ways to examine and identify
issues within the body, generally within the chest, abdomen and pelvis
- CT scans generally give very accurate results but they are not perfect, specifically when
trying to identify types of cancer
- CT scans cannot always differentiate between cancerous tissue and non-cancerous
tissues which can lead to false negatives. They also are not always able to identify
tumors
- PET-CT scans are generally recommended for identifying abnormal activity (cancer
growth along with other conditions)
https://www.americanhealthimaging.com/how-much-does-a-ct-scan-cost/#:~:text=Range%20of%20Costs,or%20bill%20your%20insurance%20provider.
https://www.ctoam.com/precision-oncology/why-we-exist/standard-treatment/diagnostics/ct-
scan/#:~:text=CT%20scans%20can%20produce%20false%20negatives%20and%20false%20positives.&text=CT%20scan%20can%20miss%20cancer,other%20areas%20of%20the%20body.&text=CT%20scans
%20are%20proven%20to,diagnosing%20cancer%20than%20PET%2FCT.
