What is a Chest CT?
A CT scan of the chest is a diagnostic test used to make a diagnosis of any disease of the chest, usually for lung disease.
The CT scan is a completely painless test that uses X-rays to obtain images of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, airways, etc….
The large, circular machine takes cross-sectional images of the organs and internal structures from different angles. These images are then sent to a computer which processes them and makes them available for viewing.
What is a Chest CT scan?
The CT is a circular machine inside which there is a stretcher on which the patient lies down to be examined. Once the patient is on the table, the test begins. The patient will hear the machine running, but it is a completely painless test that carries no risk.
The approximate duration of the test is between a quarter and half an hour, depending on the part of the body to be examined.
In some cases, it is possible that before starting the test, a contrast agent is injected into the vein, which will allow a better differentiation of the parts of the body analyzed.
Why is a Chest CT performed?
Normally, a specialist will order a chest CT scan in patients who, after having performed an X-ray, present some type of anomaly that needs to be studied more closely.
Chest CT is indicated in people who have a mediastinal tumor or a lung tumor, as well as to study the extension of other types of tumors. In addition, it should be mentioned that this test can also show the result of other pulmonary diseases, such as emphysema, pneumonia…
In turn, these are the main indications for performing a chest CT:
- To evaluate abnormalities present in conventional radiographs.
- There is clinical suspicion that there is a hidden thoracic pathology.
- To stage and follow the evolution of a primary and secondary malignant tumor of the lung.
- Evaluate thoracic manifestations of a known disease outside the thorax.
- Evaluation of congenital anomalies or if their presence is suspected.
- Evaluation and follow-up of airway disease.
- Evaluation of trauma.
- Suspected pulmonary thrombus.
Preparation for chest CT
At the time of the test, you may be asked to avoid eating and drinking in the hours before the test, so that you will come to the test on an empty stomach. This fasting will be mandatory in the event that contrast injection is necessary.
It is also recommended that the patient drink plenty of fluids both before and after the test. The duration of the test should not take more than half an hour.
Finally, the patient should come to the test site in comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put on. In addition, proper basic hygiene should be maintained.
What does a chest CT scan feel like?
It is a completely painless test. It is normal that the person may feel a little overwhelmed by the sound made by the CAT scan, or even that they may notice a slight increase in temperature, although nothing that should worry the patient.
In the event that it is necessary to use non-ionic iodinated contrast media, it is possible that allergic reactions to it may occur, although the chances of this occurring are very low. The following reactions may occur:
- Mild: these are the most common, and include symptoms such as generalized heat, reddening of the face and possible nausea.
- Moderate: they appear as pruritus, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, limited urticaria…
- Severe: they occur in four out of ten thousand cases. These are generalized urticaria, laryngeal edema, chest pain, pulmonary edema, arrhythmia, convulsions.