CT (Computed Tomography) scanner
is a specialized x-ray machine using a combination of x-rays
and computerized analysis to create images. Beams of x-rays
are passed from a rotating device through the area of interest
in the patient's body from several different angles so as to
create cross-sectional images, which are then assembled by computer
into a volume of dataset.
By using the dedicated, specific computer software, the volume
of data collected can be reconstructed into multiplanar or 3-dimensional
images demonstrating the patients' body parts in great detail.
introduces
to you the FIRST of its kind, the Multi Slice Computer Tomography
(MSCT) Sensation Cardiac 64, operational since March 2005
in the Northen Region of Peninsular Malaysia.
This superb imaging equipment is capable of acquiring 64 slices
of images, at 0.6mm, in 0.33 second rotation time.
At this acquisition speed of imaging, the MSCT-64 allows:
1. Faster scan acquisition
Data
acquisitions in one breath hold, less than 20 seconds depending
on the area of examination
2. Larger volume of
scanning
Allow
scanning of the aorta, iliac and peripheral arteries in one
acquisition
3. Higher image resolution
Allowing
iso-tropic multiplanar and 3D image reconstruction
Many new applications have been developed
or improved to fully utilize our MSCT-64. These include :
1.
CT Angiography (CTA)
As compared to catheter angiography, which involves placing a catheter and injecting contrast
material into an artery, CTA is a much less invasive and more patient-friendly procedure, where
contrast medium is injected into a peripheral vein rather that an artery.
This examination has been used to screen large numbers of individuals for arterial disease like:
- aorta or other major blood vessel aneurysm or dissection,
- renal artery stenosis
- pulmonary artery embolism
- carotid artery stenosis
- aneurysm or arterio-venous malformation(AVM) inside the brain, which can be life-threatening
- atherosclerotic disease that has narrowed the arteries to the legs
2.
Multiphasic Study Of The Abdominal
Organs
For example, scanning of the liver
in arterial, portal venous and parenchymal phases can be
completed following a single injection of IV contrast
medium.
3.
Multiplanar Imaging
The isotropic data set allows
high-resolution image reconstruction in any desired planes. This is
important in diagnosis or complicated
bony fractures, extension of tumour or for surgical
planning.
4.
Lung Cancer screening
The MSCT-64 allows low
dose, high-resolution imaging of the lungs to be obtained in one breath
hold.
5.
CT Colonography
This is a non-invasive method to
visualize the large bowel without insertion of an endoscope.
6.
Screening of Polytrauma
In cases of trauma, MSCT-64 can quickly
identify injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or other
internal organs. In addition, the isotropic multiplanar reconstructed
images allow detection of
spinal injury.
ECG gated CT is used to detect and
quantify the calcification in the Coronary artery (ie
Calcium Scoring). Coronary artery can also be visualized
with retrospective ECG triggered
Coronary CTA following injection of contrast medium, with its >80% accuracy rate in positive
findings and 100% accuracy rate in negative finding.
8.
CT Fluoroscopy / Biopsy
CT fluoroscopy is often
used for guided biopsies, aspirations and other minimally invasive
procedures. It allows live, continuous monitoring of the
needle puncture, which enable fast and
accurate placement of the needle.
9.
Dental CT
Sectional axial images of the jaw
can be reformatted to standardized panoramic and views of
the jaw bone. This is very helpful in assisting the dentist in planning
of dental implants.
10.
Ultra-high resolution imaging
Ultra-high resolution scanning is possible with MSCT-64, for example in the case assessment
of the inner ear on candidates for cochlear implants.
Standard precaution in pregnancies and for injection of contrast medium
As the scanning involves usage of x-ray, do advice our radiology staff if you are, or suspected that you
are pregnant prior to undergoing the scanning.
In the event that a contrast medium injection is required or necessary to further improve the findings,
our radiology staff will go through with you a few questions to ensure that you are safe to have
the injection.
introduces
to you the FIRST of its kind, the Multi Slice Computer Tomography
(MSCT) Sensation Cardiac 64, operational since March 2005
in the Northen Region of Peninsular Malaysia.