If you are experiencing unexplained chest symptoms or if an initial chest X-ray revealed unexpected findings, your physician may order a chest CT scan or an MRI scan to gain a clearer understanding of your internal health. Chest CT scans are an advanced imaging technology that is a commonly used, versatile tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images, or “slices,” of the chest cavity, including organs, soft tissues, blood vessels, and abnormalities. This level of detail allows physicians to accurately diagnose a wide variety of diseases and injuries and guide treatment decisions.
A CT scan uses an X-ray beam that rotates around you to produce these images, while an MRI uses magnets and radio waves. These advanced exams provide detailed internal views that cannot be seen on a standard X-ray. In both cases, the resulting images help physicians confirm a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment path.
What Does a Chest CT Scan Show?
A chest CT scan is an advanced X-ray technology that helps radiologists view multiple angles of the same part of the body. When performed on the chest, it creates detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, spine, and surrounding soft tissues and bones. These images allow even small or subtle abnormalities to be identified.
Here are 12 conditions that advanced chest imaging, including chest CT scans, can help your physician diagnose.
1. Lung Cancer
A specialized chest CT scan, known as a low-dose lung CT scan, is the recommended screening for detecting lung cancer in its earliest stages. This screening helps identify small growths, called nodules (most of which are not cancerous), allowing for successful treatment before the cancer spreads and symptoms appear. A low-dose lung CT scan uses a smaller amount of radiation than a typical scan, which minimizes exposure.
2. Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when blood clots, often traveling from the legs, get lodged in the arteries of the lungs, causing a blockage. A rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical to minimize damage to the lungs and other organs. A CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), which utilizes IV contrast, can clearly show these blood clots in the lung arteries, highlighting areas where blood flow is restricted or blocked.
3. Viral Conditions and Pneumonia
While conditions like the flu and RSV are typically diagnosed without imaging, a chest CT scan can be valuable for diagnosing the underlying cause of symptoms and detecting lung-related complications. If a viral infection is suspected of leading to a bacterial superinfection, or if a patient is at high risk for lung complications, a chest CT scan provides a clear look at the lungs. CT scans can also help identify complications of bacterial pneumonia, such as lung abscesses or empyema.
4. Pleural Disorders
The pleura is the tissue that covers the lungs and lines the inner chest cavity. Chest CT scans or MRI scans can detect several pleural conditions, including:
- Pleural effusion: Excess fluid buildup in the pleural space.
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura.
- Pneumothorax: Trapped air or gas in the pleural space.
Imaging also helps physicians evaluate the underlying cause, such as an infection or a rib injury.
5. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
The aorta carries blood from the heart to the lower body. An abnormal bulge in the aorta within the chest is a thoracic aortic aneurysm. If one is detected on a chest X-ray, your physician may order a chest CT scan or MRI to gather more details about its size and shape. Advanced imaging is essential because an undetected aneurysm can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
6. Mediastinal Tumors
The mediastinum is the central area between the lungs that contains the heart. Masses, which may be cancerous, can develop here. A chest CT scan with IV contrast can provide detailed information about a mediastinal tumor. MRI may also be used to assess whether a tumor is spreading to nearby tissues.
7. Cardiac Conditions
CT and MRI scans are essential for diagnosing heart conditions. CT scans are used in:
- Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA): This procedure produces 3D images of the heart’s arteries to identify plaque buildup and assess blood flow, helping to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Calcium Scoring (Cardiac Calcium Scoring): This CT scan specifically looks for calcium accumulations in the heart arteries, which can indicate a higher risk of CAD.
Cardiac MRI scans are used to diagnose heart conditions such as congenital problems, heart failure, and heart attack-related damage.
8. Thymic Abnormalities
The thymus gland, located in the upper chest, produces infection-fighting T cells. If an abnormality or mass (which may be benign or cancerous) appears on a chest X-ray, a chest CT scan may be ordered for further investigation. Early detection of a cancerous thymic mass is crucial for treatment.
9. Rib Fractures and Chest Trauma
In emergency situations, such as after a car accident, rapid and detailed imaging is necessary to assess the condition of internal organs, bones, and soft tissues. A chest CT scan can quickly reveal internal injuries, including fractured ribs, as well as injuries to the spine, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. This information helps guide immediate medical care and treatment decisions.
10. Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest. While a chest X-ray is usually sufficient for diagnosis, a physician may order a chest CT scan or MRI to gather additional information about the hernia if required.
11. Esophageal Disorders
Chest CT scans and MRIs can be used to diagnose conditions of the esophagus, including esophageal cancer. A CT scan helps physicians determine if the cancer has spread beyond the esophagus.
12. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
ILD encompasses various conditions, including pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Diagnostic imaging, particularly CT scans, plays a crucial role in both diagnosing and managing ILD. CT scans provide detailed images that help doctors identify signs of inflammation, fibrosis, and scarring associated with the disease. CT scans are also used to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment response over time.
Your Questions About Chest CT Scans Answered
What Cancers Can a Chest CT Detect?
Chest CT scans are essential tools for the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of several cancers affecting the chest cavity:
- Lung Cancer: The specialized low-dose CT lung cancer screening is designed to detect small, early-stage lung nodules.
- Mediastinal Tumors: CT scans, often with contrast, help characterize masses located between the lungs.
- Thymic Cancer: CT scans are used to investigate and assess masses found in the thymus gland.
- Esophageal Cancer: A CT scan helps determine if cancer has metastasized or spread beyond the esophagus.
Why Would a Doctor Order a Chest CT Scan?
Physicians order chest CT scans and MRIs when they need greater detail than a standard X-ray can offer to diagnose conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and surrounding structures. These scans are vital for identifying subtle issues, characterizing the size and spread of problems, and confirming diagnoses.
How Long Does a Chest CT Scan Take?
A chest CT scan is a quick procedure designed for efficiency.
- The total process, including exam prep, typically takes around 30 minutes.
- If your test requires contrast material, the overall process time may be slightly extended.
What Should You Not Do Before a Chest CT Scan?
Proper preparation is crucial for ensuring a smooth and clear chest CT scan.
Do’s:
- Do wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You may be asked to wear a gown.
- Do share your full medical history, including allergies (especially to contrast dye), chronic diseases, and pregnancy status.
- Do notify the imaging team if you have any metal implants or electronic devices.
Don’ts:
- Don’t eat or drink anything for four hours prior to the appointment if your exam requires contrast.
- Don’t wear or bring metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, or clothing with metal snaps or zippers, as metal can interfere with image quality.
- Don’t forget to stay still and hold your breath when instructed during the scan to ensure clear images.
What to Expect During the Scan
- Contrast Material: If contrast is needed, it is typically administered through an IV in your arm or hand. You might experience a temporary warm flushing of the body and a metallic taste in your mouth, both of which are normal and brief.
- Positioning: You will lie flat on your back on a narrow table that slides into the doughnut-shaped CT scanner.
- Instructions: The technologist will provide breathing instructions and communicate with you to ensure you are positioned correctly. You must stay as still as possible.
- Anxiety: If you are concerned about claustrophobia, inform your physician or imaging team beforehand; they can suggest calming strategies or medication to help you relax.
Windsong’s procedures are carefully designed to give the smallest amount of radiation needed for each patient, which helps keep everyone safe.
After your scan, a Windsong Radiology board-certified, subspecialized radiologist will analyze the detailed images. The findings will be sent in a comprehensive report to your referring physician. Your physician will typically receive the results within one week of the exam.
The Importance of Chest CT Scans
Chest CT scans are crucial for accurately diagnosing a variety of conditions affecting the chest, allowing for timely and effective treatment.
- Chest CT scans help identify critical conditions like lung cancer early, increasing treatment success.
- These imaging scans provide detailed images of the thoracic region, aiding in accurate diagnoses.
- CT scans can assist in diagnosing a wide range of ailments, from infections to pleural disorders.
