During a computed tomography (CT) scan, a series of pictures of the body are recorded by a rotating X-ray machine, producing cross-sectioned images of the body’s organs. These highly-detailed images enable radiologists and physicians to differentiate between bone, soft tissue, and arteries. Because CT technology provides clear visualization of hard tissue, they are useful in detecting tumors, calcium buildup and cysts. Additionally, CT scans are often used to track the effectiveness of medical treatments.

CT scans are commonly used for detecting and diagnosing the following:

• Lung obstructions and tumors
• Heart disease and stages of cardiac illness
• Arterial obstructions
• Brain tumors and cranial damage
• Spinal abnormalities and herniated discs

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a type of CT scan that produces detailed views of your body’s blood vessels. Often, contrast materials are used to highlight specific veins and arteries, which would otherwise be difficult to distinguish from their surroundings.

Sometimes, CT scans are performed in concert with PET scans. The images resulting from these hybrid scans display metabolic activity in relation to the body’s anatomy.

Click here for a video demonstration of CT.