Imaging methods, which are one of the cornerstones of modern medical diagnostic processes, have made great progress in recent years. Computed Tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging technology that allows for cross-sectional imaging of different regions of the body and plays a critical role in many stages, from diagnosis to treatment planning. Due to its fast, detailed, and reliable results, it has a wide range of applications from emergency departments to oncology units. By providing clinicians with detailed anatomical information that traditional X-rays cannot offer, CT plays a decisive role in reaching an accurate diagnosis.
What is Computed Tomography?
Computed tomography is an imaging method that uses X-rays to image the body in thin slices and allows these images to be reconstructed using computer software to be evaluated in two, three, and four dimensions. Unlike classic X-rays, organs can be examined individually without overlapping. Thanks to multi-slice (multidetector) devices, full-body scans can be completed in seconds. Modern CT devices maximize diagnostic accuracy with dual-energy technology, cardiac synchronization, and AI-supported image processing features.
Working Principle
When the patient is placed inside a circular scanner called a gantry, the X-ray source and detectors rotate around the patient to take images from different angles. The collected data is processed by computer software and displayed in millimeter-thin slices. If necessary, contrast material is administered intravenously to allow for a clearer examination of blood vessels and soft tissues. The raw data obtained can be processed at different window levels, making it possible to evaluate different tissue types such as bone, lung, and brain.
In Which Diseases Is It Used?
CT is used in a wide spectrum of indications in almost every branch of modern medicine:
- Emergency medicine: Trauma, intracranial hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, acute abdomen
- Oncology: Tumor diagnosis, staging, and treatment follow-up
- Neurology: Stroke, head trauma, brain tumors
- Cardiovascular diseases: Coronary CT angiography, aortic diseases
- Lung diseases: Pneumonia, COPD, lung nodules
- Intra-abdominal diseases: Appendicitis, kidney stones, pancreatic pathologies
- Musculoskeletal system: Complex fractures, spinal diseases
- Surgical planning: Preoperative anatomical mapping
- Pediatric diseases: Use in children with low-dose protocols
- Health screening: Lung and coronary calcium score screenings
Advantages of CT
CT has many unique advantages in the modern imaging world:
- High speed: Full-body scanning can be completed in a few seconds.
- Detailed imaging: Precise examination with millimeter-thin slices
- Versatile use: Imaging of blood vessels, bones, soft tissues, and organs
- Critical value in emergency diagnosis: Saves minutes in life-threatening situations.
- Three and four-dimensional reconstruction: Ideal for surgical planning
- Broad patient compatibility: More comfortable than MRI for claustrophobic patients
- Low-dose technology: Radiation dose is significantly reduced in modern devices.
- Artificial intelligence integration: Increased image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
- Wide access: Widespread use inside and outside the hospital
How Does the Examination Process Proceed?
A detailed history is taken from the patient before the CT. Especially if a contrast-enhanced scan is planned, kidney function tests, allergy history, and medications used are questioned. For diabetic patients, it may be necessary to temporarily discontinue metformin-group medications. Patients may be asked to fast for a certain period or drink oral contrast before abdominal scans.
Scanning Phase
The patient is placed on the device in a supine position. Short-term breath-holding may be requested during the scan. In contrast-enhanced scans, the sensation of warmth in the body due to the contrast material administered intravenously is temporary; sensations such as a metallic taste or the urge to urinate are normal. The scan duration varies between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the examination area. The patient must remain still; otherwise, image quality will be affected.
Evaluation of Results
The images are examined in detail by a radiologist, reported, and forwarded to the relevant clinician. In emergency cases, results are shared within minutes. Further examination or treatment is planned based on the findings. Thanks to image archiving systems, comparisons can be made with previous examinations.
Points to Consider
There are some important points to consider before and after a CT scan:
- Suspected pregnancy must be reported to the physician.
- A history of contrast material allergy must be disclosed in advance.
- Special precautions are taken for individuals with kidney disease.
- Metal accessories must be removed before the scan.
- Consuming plenty of fluids is recommended after contrast-enhanced scans.
- Dose protection protocols are applied for pediatric patients.
- For breastfeeding mothers, it may be recommended not to breastfeed for a certain period.
- If there is thyroid disease, it must be reported to the physician.
- Those with a history of asthma or allergies must definitely state this.
- Patients with a history of claustrophobia should be informed in advance.
CT Angiography and Special Scanning Protocols
One of the most important opportunities offered by modern computed tomography is CT angiography, which allows for detailed imaging of blood vessels by administering contrast material. Thanks to coronary CT angiography, narrowing in the heart vessels can be evaluated non-invasively in patients with chest pain complaints. As a result, the number of patients requiring classic angiography has decreased significantly. Pulmonary CT angiography is accepted as the gold standard method in cases of suspected pulmonary embolism. Aorta, kidney, brain, and leg vessels can also be examined in detail with CT angiography.
Low-Dose CT and Artificial Intelligence Integration
Modern computed tomography devices obtain high-quality images with much lower radiation doses compared to the past, thanks to iterative reconstruction technologies and AI-supported image processing. This feature provides a great advantage, especially for pediatric patients, pregnant individuals, and oncology patients requiring frequent follow-ups. Artificial intelligence algorithms also provide significant support to radiologists in areas such as the detection of lung nodules, automation of coronary calcium scoring, and highlighting suspicious findings.
As Koru Hospital, we consider it our duty to provide our patients with the most accurate diagnosis in the shortest time possible with our state-of-the-art low-dose multi-slice computed tomography devices and our internationally experienced radiology team. We provide reliable service in a wide range of areas, from pediatric dose protocols to advanced cardiac imaging, and from cases requiring emergency intervention to routine health check-ups. Thanks to our emergency radiology unit, which operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we have the capacity to make fast and accurate diagnoses in life-critical situations. By combining the opportunities offered by modern medicine with our quality and safety standards, we are happy to be by your side to protect your health; we see it as our most important priority to complete the examination process in a fast and comfortable manner, without causing stress, by paying special attention to the individual needs of each of our patients.
