Computer tomography (CT)

The computer tomography, in short called CT, is an examination method which is capable of imaging thin cross sections of the body by means of a rotating, freely concentrated X-ray. A powerful computer system allows for creating an accurate horizontal tomography of all body regions from the gained measurement data.

The main focus of computer tomography is the clarification of diseases of the internal organs (e.g. lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas), the brain as well as the structures of the vertebral column.

As a matter of principle, a CT examination can be carried out on any patient. Implanted metallic parts (e.g. joint prostheses) or iron-containing foreign bodies (e.g. metal splinters) in the body regions to be examined may considerably affect the image quality and complicate or even disable the physician’s assessment. This shall be considered prior to the examination. Because of the use of X-rays, the necessity of the examination has to be ensured in case of pregnancy.

During some CT examinations, we have to inject contrast medium into your arm vain. In doing so, hypersensitivity reactions may occasionally occur, e.g. slight nausea, skin reddening or itching. Severe allergic reactions, e.g. circulatory distress, occur extremely rarely due to the use of modern contrast media. If an allergy against contrast media is known, please inform us about it so that we can take the appropriate precautionary measures.

Special preparatory measures are usually not required. In case we have to inject a contrast medium into your vein, you should not have a "full stomach"; however, light food some time prior to the examination is permitted. For the computer tomography of the abdomen/pelvis, you usually have to drink an intestinal contrast medium prior to the examination, which is, however, well-tolerated. You will receive more information on the procedure upon appointment scheduling.

Depending on the medical problem, the imaging may take between 10 and 20 minutes. Due to the time-consuming image processing, however, an additional period of approx. 20 minutes is required until the images are available. It is usually possible to immediately take the images and the findings with you; however, an additional period of 15 to 45 minutes is required for the evaluation by the physician and the completion in the typing pool.

Medical reports or images of previous examinations (e.g. CT, X-ray or ultrasonic examination) may be useful for evaluation or comparison and should be brought along, if possible.

Although the computer tomography (CT) is an extremely meaningful examination, questions may arise in individual cases, which require further clarification using other examination methods.