Types of CT Scans

Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive procedure that uses x-rays to create images of organs or blood vessels inside the body. The CT scanner machine creates 2-D image "slices" of the body. A computer then combines the 2-D images to create highly detailed 3-D images. Doctors can then analyze the 3-D images of the organ or blood vessels of interest to diagnose tissue damage or vessel blockage. Different types of CT scans are used to examine different areas of the body.

Chest CT

A chest CT is used to analyze the size, shape, and location of the organs in the chest, especially the lungs. This type of CT scan is used to diagnose problems with the lungs such as lung tumors, blood clots, or problems with the pulmonary veins. For a chest CT, the x-rays from the CT scanner are focused on the chest area, and pictures from many different angles are taken. The University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Health System notes that a contrast dye may be administered through an IV to the patient prior to this, or any other type of CT scan. The contrast dye is visible on the images produced by the CT scanners and helps to highlight blood vessels.

Abdominal CT Scan

This type of CT scan focuses the x-rays on the abdomen, and creates pictures of organs inside the abdomen. UCLA's Endocrine Surgery website describes how a CT scan of the abdomen is used to diagnose many different types of disorders, such as intestinal damage or blockage, cysts, appendicitis, liver cirrhosis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or many different types of cancer.

Cardiac CT

A cardiac CT is used to take a detailed picture of the heart and/or the attached blood vessels. Contrast dye is often administered in conjunction with a cardiac CT to identify damage to the walls of the blood vessels or a blockage inside the blood vessels, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. A cardiac CT is also used to identify problems with the heart, such as valve defects.

Cranial CT

Cranial CT scan images are taken by focusing the x-rays on the head region. MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia sponsored by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports that a cranial CT is used to diagnose problems with the sinuses, brain, eye sockets, brain, or skull.

Full-body CT

In a full-body CT scan, x-rays are administered to the whole body, and detailed images of all organs, muscles, and blood vessels are created. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) reports that some medical imaging facilities are advertising full-body CT scans as a preventative measure to catch disorders of the body before they cause symptoms. According to the FDA, there is no known benefit in receiving full-body CT scans, and the radiation received during this procedure slightly increases a person's risk of developing cancer later in life.