One of the most modern methods for studying human tissues and organs is multislice computed tomography, or MSCT. What is it and what is the principle of the study?
MSCT is considered one of the types of CT (computed tomography). They have the same principle of examination: using X-ray radiation, which uses the difference in the absorption of rays by tissues of different densities, the tomograph examines the patient's body in layers. But MSCT uses a two-dimensional array of detectors, while CT uses linear probes.
The two-dimensional array of sensors of the multislice tomograph, which moves in a spiral around the patient, makes it possible to obtain several fragments at once, which allows capturing images of large areas at high speed. The resulting fragment is processed and displayed in a normal or three-dimensional form. The high speed of the examination facilitates the diagnosis of severe patients and makes it possible to contrast the vessels.
MSCT is successfully used in the study of oncological, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, as well as in case of serious damage to the musculoskeletal system and bleeding into tissues and organs due to injuries.
What are the indicationsto the MSCT appointment?
Modern diagnostics of many diseases is unthinkable without MSCT. What does this examination reveal and for what indications is multislice computed tomography indicated?
If the patient has implants that contain metal, then only diagnostics on a multislice tomograph will help, and MRI and CT are contraindicated. In diseases that require emergency treatment or are accompanied by a severe pain syndrome, when a person is physically unable to lie still for a long period of time, MSCT will be the only correct research method. Multislice computed tomography is also indispensable for these medical cases:
1. Allows not only to diagnose oncological formations of the liver, spleen, pancreas, bladder, kidneys and extraorgan neoplasms of the retroperitoneal zone and abdominal cavity, but also determines the degree of damage and the type of tumor: benign or malignant.
2. Gives an accurate diagnosis of fractures of the skeletal system, degenerative changes in the spine, bone metastases, reveals hernias in the lumbar region.
3. In case of pulmonary embolism, it determines circulatory disorders and the degree of damage to large arteries.
4. All major injuries can only be correctly assessed with a multislice scanner.
5. It makes it possible to identify even minor and isolated foci of tuberculosis.
Why is contrast enhancement necessary?
Research on a multispiral tomograph makes it possible to perfectly see not only bones and air-bearing organs, but also soft tissues. This allows you to diagnose serious diseases in the initial stages, for example, to identify a small malignant tumor, when there is still the possibility of surgical treatment.
Contrast enhancement is used to better differentiate human organs from each other, normal structures from pathological neoplasms. There are two methods of performing MSCT with contrast: intravenous and bolus.
In the first method, a contrast agent is injected into a vein without adjusting the time and speed by an X-ray technician, then a study is performed. This method is used on slower first-generation scanners.
In bolus contrast, a special substance is injected using a syringe-injector at a set time and speed. The advantage of this method is that it delimits the phases of contrasting, which makes the study more efficient and the results more reliable.
When is a multislice computed tomography of the brain done?
In modern medicine, for the diagnosis of brain diseases, the study of MSCT occupies a leading position. What does this study diagnose, for what symptoms is it performed?
MSCT is used for diagnosis in such pathologies:
- oncological formations of the brain, as well as anomalies in itsdevelopment;
- stroke;
- high intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus;
- chronic form of vascular insufficiency;
- injury or inflammation of the brain;
- chronic and acute stages of diseases of the inner ear or paranasal sinuses.
With frequent and severe headaches, memory impairment, dizziness, you need to contact a neurologist to decide whether MSCT of the brain is necessary to exclude life-threatening pathological changes in this organ. This is especially important for patients who have suffered a brain injury, stroke, transient ischemic attack in the past, or have all the signs of a pre-stroke condition at the time of contacting the doctor.
Indications for multispiral computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
When performing MSCT of the abdominal cavity, the doctor evaluates tissues, organs and systems in this area: the liver, biliary tract, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, urinary tract, pancreas and other organs. A specialist radiologist analyzes the structure, size and position of organs; the existence of pathological neoplasms; the presence of stones in the organs of this zone; functionality of the bile ducts; condition of the lymph nodes.
Indications for MSCT of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space:
- oncological formations and tumor lesions (metastases);
- cysts, adenomas and abscesses;
- serious injuries and suspected damage to organs and vessels;
- urolithiasis;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- diseases of any abdominal organs;
- inflammatory processes;
- pathology of the abdominal aorta and its branches;
- anomalies of organs.
When is MSCT of the chest organs prescribed?
To assess the state of organs and tissues in the chest area, the most informative research method is used - MSCT. What does this examination evaluate and for what diseases is it indicated?
This technique makes it possible to analyze and assess the condition of organs and soft tissues of the chest (lungs, heart, blood vessels, esophagus, trachea and others), lymph nodes, bone structures.
Indications for chest MSCT:
- tumor formations and their metastases;
- anomalies and malformations of the heart and bronchopulmonary system;
- diffuse lung disease;
- inflammatory processes that caused damage to the organs of the chest;
- serious injuries.
MSCT procedure: recommendations, costs and contraindications
For the MSCT examination, you need to dress in loose clothing. All foreign objects and jewelry must be removed during the procedure, including hearing or dentures. It is necessary to stop eating a few hours before the examination, especially when using the contrast method.
The study is absolutely painless, and the dose of radiation received is minimal. The procedure lasts (depending on complexity) from5 to 30 minutes, requires immobility of the patient.
The use of the contrast method in the study, the type of contrast agent and its amount are factors that affect the cost of MSCT. The price also depends on the location and volume of the examination area, diagnostic tasks and additional services. You can clarify the cost of any MSCT by going to the website of the selected clinic or by calling. On average, prices for such a procedure range from 1.5 to 11.5 thousand rubles.
Contraindications and risks of MSCT
- feeding women are prohibited during the day after the introduction of contrast;
- study of pregnant patients is carried out for he alth reasons;
- examination of children is carried out only in case of emergency and a second procedure is prohibited;
- It is extremely rare to be allergic to contrast agents that contain iodine.
Conclusion
MSCT is a painless and informative diagnostic method with a number of advantages:
- perfectly visualizes both bones and soft tissues, blood vessels;
- high speed of examination is especially important for serious emergencies;
- better result quality, less sensitive to patient movement and lower cost than MRI;
- minimally invasive procedures make it possible to do without surgical intervention for diagnostic purposes;
- minimal exposure and no residual radiation after examination.
