Different Types of CT Scans:
Head CT:A CT exam of the brain is the fastest way of diagnosing bleeding inside the brain, skull fractures, or other internal head injuries. Although MRI is a better indicator of Tumors and soft tissue abnormalities, a CT scan of the head is often used for follow up of known tumors.
A CT angiogram of Head is also common to evaluate for vascular injuries of aneurisms.
Chest CT:
Chest CT scans are performed with or without IV contrast depending on what the physician is looking for. We use often use IV contrast when looking at tumors and infections. A CT scan of the chest without contrast is mostly used to follow up on a lung nodule or lung diseases.
A CT angiogram of chest is often done to look for possible blood clots on patients with chest pain or shortness of breath.
Abdomen/pelvis CT:
About 90% of these exams are done with both IV and Oral contrast. CT exams of the abdomen and pelvis are commonly performed to detect cancer, tumors, fluid collections, and infections.
These exams are also used to evaluate for internal injuries or bleeding in cases of trauma/ injury.
Spine CT:
A CT scan is the most accurate imaging tool when it comes to bones. A CT scan of spine is often done to evaluate for any fractures or damage to the bone as a result of trauma or diseases. We can also evaluate the spinal cord canal for any damage.
Extremity CT:
Just like spine, we do extremity CT scans to evaluate for fractures and bone damage of arms or legs. Most extremity fractures are detected by normal X-rays; however, complicated fractures, which often need surgery, are further evaluated by a CT exam.
