It is commonly used to view details of abdominal and thoracic organs and blood vessels. This is because the compound gives prominence to these structures. Because of their density, they usually appear in dark tones on the radiographic image, which makes their evaluation difficult. In addition, it imposes barriers to the diagnosis of pathologies in the nervous, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, among others. Together with the substance that enhances the studied tissues, CT recordings are enhanced . It is something that brings evidence to the examination and the parts analyzed in it. In the next topics, I talk more about the combination of tomography with contrast. I comment on the main indications and explain how to minimize the risks of the exam. If the subject interests you, continue reading. Contrast-enhanced CT is a test that uses ionizing radiation, a rotating tube , and a compound.
What is contrast tomography?
It is worth remembering that the tomography device was born from the evolution of X-ray equipment , having the capacity to capture several radiographs at once. Thanks to the tube, which rotates 360 degrees around the examined area, cross-sections are obtained that even allow the formation of 3D images of the structures. Or simply check your anatomy in detail. In the case of arteries and veins, the use of contrast in computed tomography (CT) also makes it possible to study the trajectory traveled by blood within these vessels. Because the compound is liquid, it follows the same path as blood, revealing shunts, blockages and other problems non-invasively . Tomography with and without contrast: what’s the difference? Quick and painless, tomography is one of the most popular imaging tests today. As I mentioned above, the procedure collects several radiographs simultaneously , providing a much more complete view than a simple X-ray.
What is contrast tomography used for?
Another advantage is the lower exposure of the patient to ionizing radiation , possible thanks to adaptations present in modern tomographs. Remembering that excessive exposure to this type of radiation can trigger evils such as cancer. Whether with or without contrast, CT is performed with the patient motionless on the tomograph stretcher, in order to ensure clear recordings. And that’s where the differentiation by the use of the compound comes in. In radiographic images without contrast, only the highest density structures appear clear. This occurs because they absorb more radiation , allowing few X-rays to pass through and hit the photosensitive plate of the equipment. Thus, non-contrast tomography provides clear recordings of bones and other hard tissues. In contrast, organs, cartilage, blood vessels and other soft parts appear dark . In contrast-enhanced CT, the examined area is highlighted, favoring a detailed assessment. Briefly, contrast-enhanced tomography serves to highlight less dense tissues.