CT (Computed tomography)- A boon to medical field

Posted on 02/12/2024

The introduction of computed tomography (CT) has transformed radiology. Modern CT scanners, which began as head-only scanners, can now perform whole-body examinations in isotropic resolution in a matter of seconds. Scanner hardware advances and image reconstruction techniques are evaluated and addressed in the context of clinical practise. For a variety of reasons, these advancements have resulted in a constant increase of CT tests in all age groups.Gathering the whole-body data for oncologic staging and follow-up, as well as for trauma imaging, is quite simple today. However new investigations such as cardiac imaging, virtual colonoscopy, gout imaging, and whole-organ perfusion imaging, have broadened CT's application profile.As people became more aware of the dangers of radiation exposure, a variety of dose reduction measures were developed. For a variety of focused tests, including coronary CT angiography, effective dose values of less than 1 mSv, or less than the yearly natural background radiation , are now routinely attainable.

Advantages of CT scan

Those suffering from internal injuries or other types of trauma can benefit from a CT scan. This technology allows doctors to see virtually every area of a patient's body and aids in the correct diagnosis of disorders. It can detect illnesses of the bones and joints, such as complex bone fractures and malignancies. A CT scan helps doctors track the exact sections of a patient's body affected by illnesses such as cancer, liver tumour, and heart disease. With the use of this technology, blood clots and infections can be easily detected.

A CT scan is also an important tool for arranging a patient's treatment, whether it's for surgical, medicinal, or radiation reasons. Doctors can use the results to figure out which medications are effective and proceed with an effective treatment plan.CT scans have gone a long way since the invention. This brain scanning technique has evolved into one of contemporary medicine's most important and valued instruments.

Future of CT Scan

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been heralded as a huge privilege for radiologists and pathologists all around the world, with the medical imaging business being designated as one of the most promising applications. Deep learning reconstruction and post-processing based on artificial intelligence holds a lot of potential for improving clinical, operational, and budgetary elements of CT imaging workflow. It has the ability to minimize radiation dose exposure considerably and consistently, well beyond what was previously possible with existing iterative reconstruction technologies.

Image noise reduction and harmonization for all CT scanners and all types of CT studies can have a significant impact on the quality, efficiency, and cost of imaging operations, especially for higher-risk patients and difficult use cases like pediatric and lung screening investigations. Even if low-dose procedures are already in place, these new AI-based techniques can help enhance diagnostic picture quality, modality utilization, and radiology workflow efficiency.