Medical Imaging

Axial tomography

Axial tomography (CT Scan) has only one element in common with standard radiography, that is the use of X-rays to generate images. Standard radiography uses 5 tones of grey to differentiate tissues; radiography reproduces on a film a 2-dimension image resulting from the superimposition of all tissues submitted to the X-rays. Axial tomography uses a multitude of grey tones which allows us to see the differences between tissues with a sensitivity 20 times greater.

Here is how it works

While data is taken, an X-ray tube turns around the patient, allowing for the creation of a tridimensional image. Organs can be seen separately, without superimposition.

With the help of a computer, we can reconstruct the image so as to maximize the details of the organ. The images produced this way are thin body slices. This allows for a detailed evaluation.

There are as many circumstances where axial tomography is appropriate as for standard radiography. Tomography is particularly useful when we want to visualize a tumor before its excision.

It allows us to more precisely evaluate the area that must be excised and increases chances of complete resection. It is also useful for the imaging of the nervous and myoarthroskeletal systems. We can create images of some anatomical areas that are difficult to evaluate with other methods (nasal cavities, for example). It also allows us to visualize some abdominal or thoracic organs that are usually difficult to see by ultrasonography (adrenal glands, mediastinic organs and pulmonary parenchyma, for example).

An anesthetic protocol is established for each patient according to its medical condition. Monitoring, including ECG, blood pressure and pulse oxymetry, allows for a safe anesthesia. A non-iodized contrast agent can also be injected to create more precise images of some lesions.