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MDCT
What is MDCT? |
| What is MDCT? |
| A multi-detector (or multi-slice) computed tomography scan, also known as MDCT, CT or CAT scan, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices) of the body. An MDCT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat and organs. This type of screening may be performed to help diagnose tumors, investigate internal bleeding, and check for infection or other problems and diseases. |
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How does it work? |
The MDCT scanner contains a large donut-shaped ring that your body slowly passes through on a moveable table. As you pass through the ring, the scanner takes a complete 360-degree rotation—making a spiral path through the body. The image created is sent to a computer. Then, the mechanical table moves a small distance, less than half-an-inch, to position you for the next picture. These pictures can be reconstructed by the computer to form a complete two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of your internal anatomy. Normally, an entire scan can be done with a single breath hold. A technologist will be available to the patient at all times during the procedure to answer questions and provide comfort. |
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What are some of the common uses for this procedure? |
MDCT offers a painless, fast and extremely accurate visualization of many
types of tissue, including organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.
Analysis of the scan can result in the diagnosis of such conditions as
cancers, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. At
WIS, we use MDCT scans for many types of diagnostic procedures, including,
but not limited to:
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| What are the benefits of MDCT scanning? |
MDCT offers these advantages:
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| Is MDCT safe? |
| The scan does involve exposure to radiation in the form of x-rays, but the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk. The effective radiation dose from this procedure is about the same as the average person receives from background radiation in three years. Special care is taken during x-ray examinations to ensure maximum safety for the patient by shielding the abdomen and pelvis with a lead apron, with the exception of those examinations in which the abdomen and pelvis are being imaged. Women should always inform their doctor or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Nursing mothers should wait 24 hours after a contrast injection before resuming breast feeding. |
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What is a contrast material and why is it used? |
| In order to make a clearer picture of certain parts of the body during your MDCT, a contrast material may be used that shows up white on the scan images. The two common types of contrast materials are barium, which you usually drink, and non-ionic, which is usually injected by means of an intravenous line or I.V. Because contrast agents contain iodine which may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, be sure to tell the technologist if you have had an allergic reaction to these agents before or if you have any other allergies. At WIS, we use non-ionic contrast exclusively which is safer for our patients. |
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What is MDCT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS)? |
| Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring or CACS is a revolutionary, painless, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure that visualizes and quantifies the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. Plaque is often present years before any symptoms of heart disease appear. Your CACS results will allow your doctor to recommend the appropriate treatment, including diet and lifestyle modification and/or medication therapies that can literally save your life. |
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Why do I need a CACS test? |
Fifty-eight million Americans have cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States—taking more lives than all types of cancer combined. Subtle early warning signs of heart disease can be detected using CACS, allowing for lifestyle modification and/or medication therapy as needed. If you are a male over 45 or a female over 50 or have passed menopause, a CACS test may be useful to you if you have one or more of the following risk factors for heart disease:
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| See About Your Exam/MDCT for exam preparation and patient experience information. |
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