Individuals in the Rancho Mirage, California who require an accurate scan that allows the radiologist or physician to get a good look at their body or part of their body may be recommended to seek a 64 slice CT scan. Computed tomography (CT) involves x-rays that take image data from various angles in the body and process them using a computer. This provides 3D images with good resolution so that physicians or radiologists may make accurate diagnoses of various diseases or disorders in different parts of the body. However, one of the limitations was that it could not be used to take images of the heart, as this muscle is always beating.
For many years, the standard was the 16-slice CT scan, which required that the patient hold his or her breath for 25 to 40 seconds so the scan could be performed. Today, a 64 slice CT scan may be performed in only a few seconds and produces much better images. This type of scan may collect the information necessary to create a high-resolution image of the heart, brain or lungs in under five seconds. About 30 seconds may be required to perform a complete body scan using the 64 slice CT scan. This type of CT scan may even be used as an alternative to the traditional angiography or cardiac catheterization, and it is much less invasive.
While the only way to confirm the presence of coronary artery disease is through a cardiac catheterization, the 64-slice CT scan may someday replace this type of procedure in elective cases. This type of CT scan has only recently been made available, so its use to evaluate the heart has been limited. Patients are strongly encouraged to follow the advice and recommendations of their physician when choosing a scan.
Coronary vessels may be visualized using a 64-slice CT scan so the presence of any blockage may be seen. The technology allows for images of the heart to be obtained in multiple dimensions thanks to the fast speed of the scanner and the computer technology used. Doctors may provide medication to slow the heart rate just before the procedure, as the best images are typically obtained with a slow heart rate. The patient will lie down flat on the table while the CT scan is performed. The entire heart may be imaged in less than 15 seconds. The patient may go home following the scan. The images may be read about 30 minutes after the scan if arrangements have been made with the radiologist.
Before receiving this or any scan, patients should seek consultation with their physician as well as a clinic providing scanning services in the Rancho Mirage area. Candidates for the 64-slice CT scan may include those with a low risk of heart disease; young individuals with questionable heart disease; young individuals with congenital heart problems; those with an abnormal stress test as well as a low risk of heart disease; individuals with atypical chest pain and low risk of heart disease; those who have disease in their carotid arteries; those with a stroke; those with a blood clot in the lung called a pulmonary emboli; and those who have cancer. It is important to discuss these cases with a physician.
It should be noted that there are certain limitation of the 64-slice CT scan. For one, it is not the best at identifying calcium precipitates around the blood vessels and may not detect the presence of plaque. Those with a coronary stent placed may find that the CT scan is unable to detect narrowing inside the stent. Those with morbid obesity may not be able to receive the scan. There is some radiation exposure and pregnant women may not be candidates. Mechanical heart valves, pacemaker leads and other items may interfere with image quality.
Learn more about 64-slice CT scan in Rancho Mirage, California.
