CT - Computer Tomography

Computer tomography (CT) is a special form of X-ray examination in our radiology practice in Hamburg. Using state-of-the-art computer tomography, we record the body regions to be examined layer by layer and in a high image sequence.

The CT scan is completely painless. The image data can be combined by a computer into virtual, three-dimensional images. In this way, the examined body sections can be rotated on the computer and viewed and evaluated from all sides.

Excellent results with low radiation exposure

In contrast to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT uses X-rays. Our modern, ultra-fast multisclice computer tomographs require very little radiation in contrast to older generations and achieve best and fast results.

Short examination time

In the past, the patient had to wait minutes, in recent years still several seconds, to create a single image layer. Since about 50 image layers are needed to cover a region (e.g. chest), the patient often had to hold his breath several times to get blur-free images. Today, modern CT requires less than one second per image layer. Thus, the actual examination often takes only a few seconds and can be comfortably performed with one breath stop.

The exposure to X-rays in our CT practice in Hamburg is also many times lower as a result. Today CT is a mature, patient-friendly and fast examination method with best image quality for a reliable diagnosis.

Indications Computer Tomography (CT)

Head (brain)
paranasal sinuses, skull base, ear
Jaws and teeth
Cervical spine and cervical soft tissues
lumbar spine
Skeleton in arms and legs
heart
blood vessels
Lungs and respiratory tract
abdomen and pelvis
Virtual colonoscopy of the intestine

The latest generation of medical technology

The most modern version of this technology is the so-called multi-line spiral computer tomograph, which is also used in imaging diagnostics. With this high-performance device, the individual CT images sometimes take only 50 microseconds, whereby imaging errors caused by motion (so-called motion artifacts) can be avoided. The images obtained with multi-line spiral computed tomography (MSCT) have a resolution of fractions of a millimetre, even with moving organs such as the heart.

Lower CT radiation dose

With this highly convenient method, the attending physician performs the diagnosis after the actual MSCT on the "virtual patient" on the computer screen, so to speak.

Although computed tomography only accounts for 9% of all examinations, it is responsible for almost 2/3 of the total radiation dose. That is why we offer examinations in our radiology department using a new low-dose volume CT. This allows us to work with up to 40 % less dose with the same clinical result.

Procedure Computer Tomography (CT)

Depending on the indication (cancer or cardiovascular disease), multi-line spiral computed tomography (MSCT) is used differently in our radiology department.

Depending on the subject of the examination, certain preparations must be made before an MSCT, for example, the bowel must be emptied before the "virtual endoscopy". In order to obtain better imaging results, a contrast agent should be administered into the arm vein in most cases, although this may not be necessary if the patient is intolerant.

Some examinations, such as cardiac CT, require the patient to be able to hold his breath for twenty to thirty seconds to rule out movement artifacts. Otherwise, the patient should look forward to MSCT calmly - it is completely painless and non-invasive in imaging diagnostics.

The more relaxed you are, the better the shots will be. With cardio CT, your heart rate (pulse) should be below sixty. If this is not the case, the pulse can be temporarily lowered by administering a medication (a so-called beta blocker).