What is the difference between a CAT scan and a CT scan. How are these imaging techniques used in medical diagnostics. What should patients expect during a CT scan procedure. What are the benefits and potential side effects of CT scans.

The Evolution of Computed Tomography: From CAT to CT

In the realm of medical imaging, the terms CAT scan and CT scan are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among patients and even some healthcare professionals. To clarify this common misconception, it’s essential to understand that both terms refer to the same diagnostic procedure.

CAT stands for “computed axial tomography,” while CT is an abbreviation for “computed tomography.” The term CAT scan was initially used when the technology was first introduced, but over time, CT scan has become the more prevalent term in medical circles.

Why did the terminology shift from CAT to CT? The evolution in naming reflects the advancement of the technology itself. Early scanners were limited to acquiring images in the axial plane, hence the inclusion of “axial” in the original acronym. As the technology progressed, allowing for multi-planar imaging, the term “computed tomography” became more accurate and inclusive of the scanner’s capabilities.

The Science Behind CT Scans: How They Work

CT scans are a remarkable feat of medical engineering, combining X-ray technology with advanced computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. But how exactly does this process work?

At the heart of a CT scanner is an X-ray tube that rotates 360 degrees around the patient’s body. As it moves, it emits X-ray beams that pass through the body at various angles. On the opposite side of the X-ray tube, detectors measure the amount of radiation that passes through the body tissues.

The varying densities of different tissues result in different levels of X-ray absorption. Bones, being dense, absorb more X-rays and appear white on the resulting images. Soft tissues absorb less and appear in shades of gray, while air-filled spaces appear black.

The data collected from multiple angles is then processed by powerful computers, which reconstruct the information into detailed cross-sectional images. These “slices” can be viewed individually or stacked together to create three-dimensional representations of organs and structures within the body.

Clinical Applications: When and Why CT Scans are Ordered

CT scans have become an indispensable tool in modern medicine, offering physicians a non-invasive way to examine internal structures with remarkable clarity. But when do doctors typically order these scans?

• Bone and joint problems: CT scans excel at revealing complex fractures, bone tumors, and arthritic changes in joints.
• Cancer detection and monitoring: They can identify masses and tumors in various organs and help track the progression or regression of cancerous growths over time.
• Cardiovascular issues: CT angiography can visualize blood vessels, helping to detect blockages, aneurysms, or other vascular abnormalities.
• Lung conditions: Emphysema, lung cancer, and other pulmonary diseases can be identified and assessed.
• Trauma assessment: In emergency situations, CT scans quickly reveal internal injuries, bleeding, or organ damage.
• Surgical planning: Surgeons often use CT images to plan complex procedures, ensuring precision and minimizing risks.
• Treatment evaluation: By comparing scans taken over time, doctors can assess the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The versatility of CT scans makes them a go-to diagnostic tool for a wide range of medical conditions, often providing crucial information that guides treatment decisions.

CT Scans with Contrast: Enhanced Imaging for Better Diagnosis

While standard CT scans provide excellent detail of many bodily structures, sometimes additional clarity is needed. This is where contrast-enhanced CT scans come into play. But what exactly is a CT scan with contrast, and how does it differ from a standard scan?

In a contrast-enhanced CT scan, a special dye called contrast material is introduced into the patient’s body before or during the scan. This dye can be administered in several ways:

1. Orally: The patient drinks a liquid containing the contrast material.
2. Intravenously: The contrast is injected into a vein, usually in the arm.
3. Rectally: In some cases, contrast material may be introduced via enema.

The contrast material is designed to temporarily change how X-rays interact with certain tissues or blood vessels. This results in enhanced visibility of specific structures or abnormalities that might otherwise be difficult to distinguish.

Why use contrast? Contrast-enhanced scans are particularly useful for:

• Highlighting blood vessels, making it easier to detect blockages or aneurysms
• Improving the visibility of tumors or other soft tissue abnormalities
• Enhancing the appearance of organs like the liver, kidneys, or bladder
• Assessing gastrointestinal issues by outlining the digestive tract

While contrast-enhanced CT scans offer significant diagnostic benefits, they’re not suitable for everyone. Patients with kidney problems or allergies to iodine-based contrast materials may need alternative imaging methods or special precautions.

The CT Scan Procedure: What Patients Can Expect

Undergoing a CT scan can be an unfamiliar experience for many patients. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smooth procedure. So, what happens during a CT scan?

The typical CT scan procedure involves several steps:

1. Preparation: Depending on the type of scan, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove metal objects like jewelry. For some scans, you might need to fast for a few hours beforehand or drink a contrast solution.
2. Positioning: You’ll lie on a movable table that slides into the CT scanner, which looks like a large donut. The technologist will ensure you’re in the correct position for the scan.
3. Scanning: As the scan begins, you’ll hear whirring or buzzing sounds as the X-ray tube rotates around you. The table may move slightly to capture different areas.
4. Instructions: The technologist will communicate with you via an intercom, possibly asking you to hold your breath briefly at certain points to reduce image blurring.
5. Contrast administration: If your scan requires contrast, it may be given at this stage, often through an IV.
6. Completion: Most CT scans take between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined.

It’s important to note that while the CT machine may look intimidating, the procedure is painless. Some patients may feel slightly claustrophobic, but the openings of modern CT scanners are quite wide, and the exam table moves quickly through the scanner.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of CT Scans

While CT scans are generally safe and provide invaluable diagnostic information, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. What are the main concerns associated with CT scans?

Radiation exposure is the primary concern with CT scans. Although the amount of radiation from a single CT scan is relatively low, it’s higher than that of a standard X-ray. The cumulative effect of multiple scans over time could potentially increase the risk of cancer, albeit by a small margin.

For contrast-enhanced scans, additional risks and side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions to the contrast material, ranging from mild (itching, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis)
• Kidney problems, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease
• Temporary side effects like a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, or a warm sensation throughout the body

It’s crucial to weigh these potential risks against the significant diagnostic benefits of CT scans. In most cases, the value of the information provided by the scan far outweighs the minimal risks involved.

Comparing CT Scans to Other Imaging Techniques

In the diverse landscape of medical imaging, CT scans are just one of several diagnostic tools available to healthcare providers. How do CT scans compare to other common imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds?

CT scans vs. X-rays:

• CT scans provide more detailed, three-dimensional images compared to the two-dimensional images of X-rays
• CT scans are better at visualizing soft tissues, while X-rays excel at showing bone structures
• CT scans involve higher radiation exposure than standard X-rays

CT scans vs. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

• CT scans are faster and generally less expensive than MRIs
• MRIs provide better soft tissue contrast and are preferred for neurological and musculoskeletal imaging
• CT scans use ionizing radiation, while MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves
• CT scans are more suitable for patients with metal implants or claustrophobia

CT scans vs. Ultrasound:

• CT scans offer more comprehensive imaging of internal structures
• Ultrasounds are better for real-time imaging of moving structures (e.g., heart, blood flow)
• Ultrasounds don’t use ionizing radiation, making them safer for frequent use and during pregnancy

The choice between these imaging techniques depends on various factors, including the specific medical condition being investigated, the body part being examined, and individual patient characteristics.

Advancements in CT Technology: What’s on the Horizon?

The field of computed tomography is continually evolving, with researchers and engineers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. What are some of the exciting developments in CT technology that we can look forward to?

• Dual-energy CT: This technology uses two different energy levels to provide more detailed information about tissue composition, potentially reducing the need for additional tests.
• Photon-counting CT: These next-generation scanners promise to deliver higher resolution images with lower radiation doses.
• Artificial Intelligence integration: AI algorithms are being developed to enhance image quality, speed up scan times, and assist in interpretation of results.
• 4D CT imaging: This technique captures three-dimensional images over time, allowing for visualization of organ motion and blood flow.
• Portable CT scanners: Smaller, more mobile CT units could bring advanced imaging capabilities to remote areas or emergency situations.

These advancements aim to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce radiation exposure, and expand the applications of CT technology in medical care.

The Role of CT Scans in Personalized Medicine

As healthcare moves towards more personalized approaches, CT scans are playing an increasingly important role. How are these imaging techniques contributing to the era of precision medicine?

CT scans provide detailed, patient-specific anatomical information that can be crucial for tailoring treatments. Some key applications include:

• Treatment planning: CT images can guide the precise delivery of radiation therapy for cancer patients, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
• 3D printing: CT data can be used to create patient-specific 3D models for surgical planning or custom implant design.
• Genetic correlations: Combining CT imaging data with genetic information can help identify disease subtypes and predict treatment responses.
• Drug development: CT scans are used in clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of new medications on tumors or other pathologies.
• Monitoring therapy: Regular CT scans can track how individual patients respond to treatments, allowing for timely adjustments.

By providing detailed, quantifiable data about an individual’s anatomy and pathology, CT scans are helping to usher in an era of more precise, personalized medical care.

CT Scans in Emergency Medicine: A Life-Saving Tool

In the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, quick and accurate diagnoses can mean the difference between life and death. How do CT scans contribute to emergency care?

CT scans have become an indispensable tool in emergency departments worldwide, offering several key advantages:

• Rapid assessment: Modern CT scanners can produce detailed images in minutes, crucial for time-sensitive conditions.
• Comprehensive evaluation: A single CT scan can reveal multiple injuries or conditions, streamlining the diagnostic process.
• Non-invasive nature: CT scans can often replace more invasive diagnostic procedures, reducing risks to critically ill patients.
• Trauma evaluation: CT scans excel at detecting internal injuries, bleeding, or organ damage following accidents or violent incidents.
• Stroke diagnosis: CT scans can quickly differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, guiding immediate treatment decisions.

The availability of CT scanning in emergency settings has revolutionized the care of critically ill and injured patients, allowing for faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.

Preparing for Your CT Scan: Tips and Guidelines

If you’re scheduled for a CT scan, proper preparation can help ensure the procedure goes smoothly and produces the best possible images. What steps should you take to prepare for your CT scan?

1. Follow dietary instructions: For some scans, you may be asked to fast for several hours beforehand. In other cases, you might need to drink a contrast solution.
2. Medication considerations: Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some may need to be temporarily stopped.
3. Dress comfortably: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the scan.
4. Remove metal objects: Take off jewelry, dental appliances, or any metal objects that might interfere with the scan.
5. Inform about medical conditions: Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies, are pregnant or might be pregnant, or have kidney problems.
6. Arrange transportation: If you’re receiving sedation or contrast material, you may need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Remember, the specifics of your preparation may vary depending on the type of CT scan you’re having. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.

The Future of CT Scanning: Integration with Other Technologies

As medical technology continues to advance, CT scanning is increasingly being integrated with other diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. What exciting combinations are emerging in the field?

• PET-CT: This hybrid imaging technique combines the metabolic information from Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with the anatomical detail of CT, particularly useful in cancer diagnosis and staging.
• SPECT-CT: Similar to PET-CT, this combines Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography with CT for improved localization of radioisotope uptake.
• CT-guided interventions: Real-time CT imaging is being used to guide minimally invasive procedures like biopsies and ablations.
• CT-MRI fusion: Software can combine the strengths of both imaging modalities for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning.
• CT with 3D visualization: Advanced software can create immersive 3D visualizations from CT data, aiding in surgical planning and patient education.

These integrations are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medical imaging and interventional procedures, offering new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment.

CAT Scan vs. CT Scan: Are They the Same Procedure?

CAT Scan vs. CT Scan:

What’s the Difference?

Medicine is a field with countless acronyms. Two that can be confusing are CAT scan and CT scan. Sometimes thought to be different types of diagnostic tests, they actually refer to the same X-ray procedure. CAT stands for “computed axial tomography” and CT is simply “computed tomography.” CAT scan was the first of the two terms to be used; CT scan has become more common in recent years. These two procedures are the same, though.

What is a CT Scan For?

A CT scan produces images using an X-ray tube that travels 360 degrees around your body. As it moves, it gathers information from multiple angles to create cross-sectional images.

Doctors order CT scans for a number of reasons, including to:

• Look for bone and joint problems such as complex fractures and tumors
• Detect masses and spots associated with conditions like heart disease, cancer and emphysema
• Locate clots, tumors, infection or fluid buildup
• Check for internal injuries and bleeding following a traumatic event like a car accident
• Provide information in preparation for a surgery, biopsy or other procedure
• Compare images taken over a period of time to gauge the effectiveness of a treatment such as the chemotherapy or radiation used to shrink a tumor

In some cases, what’s called a CT scan “with contrast” is needed. With this procedure, the technician performing the procedure inserts a catheter into one of your arms in order to administer a special dye called contrast material. This dye makes it easier for the scan to create a crisp image of tissues and organs that are less dense than bone and therefore may not show up as clearly.

The detail in a CT scan with contrast may make it the preferred approach over other imaging techniques in some instances. For example, a CT scan can provide better information on the bones of the spine than either a standard X-ray or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, which is helpful when assessing conditions that affect the vertebrae and other bones.

There are some instances when a CT scan isn’t advisable. If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should tell your doctor. There is also a weight limit for receiving a CT scan.

A CT Scan is a Pain-Free Procedure That Produces Crucial Images

Other than the poke if contrast material is needed, a CT scan is completely painless and provides your care team with critically important information on your condition. For many patients, the only unpleasant aspect of the scan is the feeling of being enclosed in the CT scan machine. However, that temporary discomfort is worth the valuable information the procedure produces.

At Baptist Health, the procedure takes place as follows:

• Preparation. How you prepare for your CT scan will depend on the type of scan performed. If your abdomen/pelvis, chest or head is being scanned with contrast, you may be instructed not to eat or drink for several hours prior to your exam. You may also have to drink a contrast medium or have it administered intravenously. If you’re having a head scan with no contrast, you can eat up until the time of the exam, and no liquid or intravenous contrast medium is required.
• Exam. A CT scan typically takes 15-30 minutes. A certified technologist helps you get positioned on the scan table, which is then moved into the machine. You’ll hear humming as the machine works and the table may move as different images are captured. You may also receive instructions, such as holding your breath for a short time, from the technologist, who observes the entire test and communicates with you through two-way microphones.
• Side effects. Depending on the type of exam, afterward, you may experience a metallic taste in your mouth (if contrast dye is used), fatigue, headache, weakness or constipation.
• Follow-up. After your exam, a radiologist (a doctor that specializes in imaging) reviews the images and sends a report to your physician who will discuss it with you at your next appointment.

Get a CT Scan at Baptist Health

Learn more about CT scans available from Baptist Health, along with pre-and post-exam expectations.

Learn More.

Categories

• Baptist Health

Tags:

• Baptist Health Imaging
• CAT Scan
• CT Scan
• Diagnostics
• Imaging
• Medical Imaging

Related Blog Articles

• 
  

  CT Scan vs X-Ray

  
  
  Learn More

  
  

• 
  

  MRI vs. fMRI: What Are the Differences?

  
  
  Learn More

  
  

• 
  

  Are There Differences Between a Sonogram vs. an Ultrasound?

  
  
  Learn More

  
  

Let’s Stay in Touch

Sign up to receive Baptist Health emails to learn more about your health from our blog, e-newsletter, and Flourish. Or follow one of our social media accounts.

Sign Me Up

Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Side-Effects, Results

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• How Do CT Scans Work?
• How Are CT Scans Done?
• What Is It Used For?
• What Is a CT Scan with Contrast?
• Are There Any Risks?
• What Are the Side Effects?
• More

A computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan allows doctors to see inside your body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray.

You can get a CT scan on any part of your body. The procedure doesn’t take very long, and it’s painless.

They use a narrow X-ray beam that circles around one part of your body. This provides a series of images from many different angles. A computer uses this information to create a cross-sectional picture. Like one piece in a loaf of bread, this two-dimensional (2D) scan shows a “slice” of the inside of your body.

This process is repeated to produce a number of slices. The computer stacks these scans one on top of the other to create a detailed image of your organs, bones, or blood vessels. For example, a surgeon may use this type of scan to look at all sides of a tumor to prepare for an operation.

You’d probably get a scan at a hospital or radiology clinic. Your doctor might tell you not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure. You may also need to wear a hospital gown and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry.

A radiology technologist will perform the CT scan. During the test, you’ll lie on a table inside a large, doughnut-shaped CT machine. As the table slowly moves through the scanner, the X-rays rotate around your body. It’s normal to hear a whirring or buzzing noise. Movement can blur the image, so you’ll be asked to stay very still. You may need to hold your breath at times.

How long the scan takes will depend on what parts of your body are being scanned. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour. In most cases, you’ll go home the same day.

Doctors order CT scans for a long list of reasons:

• CT scans can detect bone and joint problems, like complex bone fractures and tumors.
• If you have a condition like cancer, heart disease, emphysema, or liver masses, CT scans can spot it or help doctors see any changes.
• They show internal injuries and bleeding, such as those caused by a car accident.
• They can help locate a tumor, blood clot, excess fluid, or infection.
• Doctors use them to guide treatment plans and procedures, such as biopsies, surgeries, and radiation therapy.
• Doctors can compare CT scans to find out if certain treatments are working. For example, scans of a tumor over time can show whether it’s responding to chemotherapy or radiation.

In a CT scan, dense substances like bones are easy to see. But soft tissues don’t show up as well. They may look faint in the image. To help them appear clearly, you may need a special dye called a contrast material. They block the X-rays and appear white on the scan, highlighting blood vessels, organs, or other structures.

Contrast materials are usually made of iodine or barium sulfate. You might receive these drugs in one or more of three ways:

• Injection: The drugs are injected directly into a vein. This is done to help your blood vessels, urinary tract, liver, or gallbladder stand out in the image.
• Orally: Drinking a liquid with the contrast material can enhance scans of your digestive tract, the pathway of food through your body.
• Enema: If your intestines are being scanned, the contrast material can be inserted in your rectum.

After the CT scan, you’ll need to drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys remove the contrast material from your body.

CT scans use X-rays, which produce ionizing radiation. Research shows that this kind of radiation may damage your DNA and lead to cancer. But the risk is still very small — your chances of developing a fatal cancer because of a CT scan are about 1 in 2,000.

But radiation’s effect adds up over your lifetime. So your risk increases with every CT scan you get. Talk to your doctor about the procedure’s potential dangers and benefits, and ask why the CT scan is necessary.

Ionizing radiation may be more harmful in children. That’s because they’re still growing. They also have more years to get exposed to radiation. Before the procedure, you may want to ask the doctor or technician if the CT machine’s settings have been adjusted for a child.

Tell your physician if you’re pregnant. If you need imaging for your stomach area, your doctor may recommend an exam that doesn’t use radiation, such as an ultrasound.

Some people are allergic to the contrast materials. Most of the time, the reaction is mild. It can lead to itchiness or a rash. In very few cases, the dye may trigger a life-threatening reaction. For this reason, your health care provider may want to monitor you for a short period after your CT scan. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have to medications, seafood, or iodine.

Your doctor should know, too, if you have diabetes and are taking the drug metformin. They’ll let you know if you should stop taking your medication before or after your procedure.

Although it’s rare, contrast materials can lead to kidney problems. Let your doctor know if you have any kidney issues before the CT scan.

Top Picks

Use of MRI and CT for pets

MRI and CT

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) are methods of examining various organs by computer-assisted reconstruction of sliced ​​or 3D images. Currently, these are one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing structural disorders of bones, joints, brain, blood vessels, internal organs, and soft tissues in animals.

MRI – what is it

Magnetic resonance imaging is a complex highly informative diagnostic method based on the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen atoms in the cells of the body. With MRI pulses in a magnetic field, vibrations of hydrogen atoms are received in the form of echo signals, which are converted into a picture by means of a computer program. This image can be in different planes. Analysis of these images helps establish the diagnosis. X-ray or other types of ionizing radiation are not used in MRI, only a magnetic field.

When MRI is used for animal diagnostics

Animal MRI is most commonly used for effective soft tissue assessment. For example, studies of the organs of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), spine and ligamentous and muscular systems (musculoskeletal system), as well as organs of the small pelvis and abdominal cavity. MRI for dogs allows you to assess the structure of the soft tissues of internal organs, identify developmental disorders, traumatic changes, tumors, etc. (photo 1, 2).

What is CT

Computed tomography is one of the most modern methods of X-ray diagnostics. A CT scanner is a coil (gantry) into which the patient enters during the examination, located on the table. The gantry rotates the source or sources generating radiation around the patient, then the x-ray image data is processed by a computer and an x-ray image is obtained. Scanning the patient’s body with x-rays from all sides at different angles, a CT scanner creates a layered x-ray image of the internal organs.

When to use CT

This examination method is well established for assessing bone and cartilage structures, tumors and fluids. CT in animals is widely used to diagnose bone damage, trauma and bleeding. It is used as a method of angiography and can evaluate the excretory (excretory) properties of organs (photo 3, 4, 5, 6).

What is the difference between MRI and CT

The main difference between MRI and CT lies in the different physical phenomena used in the devices. In the case of CT, this is X-ray radiation, which gives an idea of ​​the physical state of a substance, and in the case of MRI, it is a constant magnetic field and radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, which gives information about the chemical structure of tissues. These methods combine the possibility of layer-by-layer tissue scanning.

Both methods are widely used in veterinary medicine in patients with neurological problems, but there is a particular difference. On MRI in dogs, the structures of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves are well visualized, while on CT they are not so well visualized. On CT, the vertebrae themselves, intervertebral discs and spinal canals are well visualized.

Both methods additionally include the possibility of contrasting. Injected contrast agents can accumulate in the pathological tissue and improve the visualization of the necessary structures. This is especially true in the diagnosis of tumors of various localization.

CT is preferred for diagnosing lung pathologies.

Before prescribing a study, it is necessary to understand which of the methods will be most informative and useful to a specialist. In some cases, it is necessary to use MRI and CT at the same time. These techniques require general anesthesia in animals, and therefore some patients may have contraindications to anesthesia. Metal objects (constructions for osteosynthesis, pacemakers) are a contraindication to MRI.

Dear pet owners! At the moment, MRI and CT diagnostics are not performed at the veterinary center of Dr. Vorontsov. If necessary, we send these studies to other institutions. We review the brought pictures and records to make a diagnosis.

CT for animals in St. Petersburg

Accurate diagnosis in a few minutes

the animal may deteriorate rapidly.

CT gives a unique chance – in just a couple of minutes
using special protocols, we obtain comprehensive information about
condition of bones, central nervous system, internal organs, soft
tissues, vessels with minimal radiation exposure, we find out the cause of the disease
and immediately begin treatment.

CT scan at the PRIDE veterinary center is:

Accurate diagnosis

for one anesthesia

Only we do CT and MRI at the same time. No need for an accurate diagnosis
to go and overload the pet with drugs.

Animal research

weighing from 300 g to 120 kg

We select an individual level of radiation exposure for each pet.

Biopsy under

CT control

We immediately do a “targeted” biopsy of the area where the changes were found.

Research of any

difficulty level

Including contrast to improve diagnostic accuracy.

3D view

for more precision

Special protocols enable us to carry out complex examinations of the central
nervous system, blood vessels, internal organs.

Automatic

dose control

Independent of the area to be examined, via software
CARE Dose4D. Radiation exposure reduced by 68%.

Comfort during

examinations and after

Each examination is carried out with the participation of an anesthesiologist, he continuously monitors
the state of the animal.

Result control

after surgery

The doctor assesses how successful the operation was and plans further
treatment.

CT is indispensable in diagnosis:

Neoplasms – benign, malignant, metastases:

• Brain
• Internal organs: lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen
• Bones
• Joints

Injuries – isolated and combined injuries:

• Spine
• Bones of the vault and base of the skull
• Chest
• Belly
• Limbs

Pathologies of the nervous system

• Strokes
• Post-traumatic hemorrhage
• Tumors
• Hydrocephalus
• Edema and atrophy of the brain
• Brain abscess
• Spinal cord compressions

Heart diseases

• Defects
• Camera extensions
• Scars after a heart attack
• Aneurysm
• Thrombus
• Tumors

Urological pathology

• Kidney and bladder stones
• Tumors of the genitourinary system
• Abnormalities of renal hypoplasia, hydronephrosis, ectopic ureters

Vascular diseases

• Thrombosis
• Emboli
• Aneurysm
• Portosystemic shunts
• Development options

Orthopedic diseases

• Fractures and fractures of bones
• Joint injuries
• Areas of bone destruction and sclerosis
• Herniated and protrusion of the intervertebral discs
• Arthritis and arthrosis

Anomalies of the body

• Malformations of the spine, joints, abdominal organs, urogenital
  systems

Are you looking for answers to these questions:

X-ray

• Suitable for primary diagnosis
• Only gross deviations are visible in the images
• Displays an image in one plane
• In the images, the shadows of organs and tissues are superimposed on each other, slight
  changes are not visible.

CT

• Indispensable for a quick definitive diagnosis
• Scans show lesions as small as 0.6 mm
• Produces dozens of images in various planes and modes – for bones,
  soft tissues

• Duration of the procedure – several minutes
• Radiation exposure reduced by 68%
• Areas of the body not to be examined are covered with special screens
• For sedation during the study, use lower doses of drugs,
  than for operation

• To exclude contraindications, the animal is examined before the procedure
• The doctor constantly monitors the condition – conducts an examination before the procedure,
  administers drugs, and monitors the animal until the very awakening
• All manipulations are carried out quickly and accurately

Indications and contraindications

Indications:

• Polytrauma – head, chest, abdomen, spine, limbs,
• Suspicion:
• • hemorrhage
  • “acute abdomen”
  • neoplasm
  • thrombosis and thromboembolism
  • the presence of foreign bodies, including those not visible on radiographs,
• Search for neoplasm metastases
• Bone and joint deformities
• Movement disorder
• Planning complex bone and joint surgeries

Contraindications:

• Conditions where anesthesia is contraindicated
• Renal failure for contrast administration

CT in PRIDE in numbers

100%

reliability

Thanks to the new modern device SIEMENS SOMATOM Emotion, many years of
experience and high qualification of the radiologist.