Computed tomography of chest in Kharkiv

Computed tomography (CT) of chest is a diagnostic technique that uses X-ray to produce an image using digital reconstruction. CT allows detecting pathological changes in the thoracic organs and tissues at the early stages of their development. During the diagnostics, the lungs, bronchi, heart, vessels of the chest cavity, lymph nodes and the thoracic region of the esophagus are examined.

Unlike chest x-ray, CT of thoracic organs shows images in different projections and angles, and is more informative. CT of thoracic organs in Kharkiv can be done at the medical center “ON Clinic Kharkiv Pushkinska”.

Procedure of CT of chest

CT of chest is performed in a special diagnostic device - a tomograph. When examining with contrast, a contrast agent, which consists of iodine-containing preparations, is injected into the patient’s elbow region through a venous catheter.

During the procedure, special sensors scan the chest area. The resulting images can be viewed as partitions.

The duration of chest CT is usually 15-30 minutes, and in some cases it can take up to an hour. The patient receives diagnostics results immediately after it is carried out.

CT of chest cavity is necessary to diagnose a number of diseases:

• pneumonia (lung inflammation), including coronavirus;
• granulomatosis of lungs;
• oncological diseases;
• pleurisy;
• tuberculosis;
• fibrosing alveolitis;
• emphysema of lungs;
• endometriosis of lungs.

Contrast CT of chest at “ON Clinic Kharkiv”

Contrast CT of chest is performed to detect the slightest changes in tissue structure. Due to the increased blood supply to the pathologically altered tissues, the contrast agent accumulates in them in greater quantities and is clearly manifested in the resulting image. The drug quickly spreads through the vessels and clearly highlights all pathological areas in the picture.

The medical center “ON Clinic Kharkiv” performs two types of contrast CT of chest cavity:

• Contrast CT of mediastinum, angioregime;
• Contrast CT of chest, angio-mode.

What are the symptoms for CT of chest 

When infected with a coronavirus infection, there is a risk of developing pathologies of the respiratory system, including pneumonia. Therefore, CT of thoracic organs should be done if COVID-19 is suspected.

In addition, chest CT is performed in the following cases:

• chest pains, including when moving;
• prolonged cough;
• shortness of breath and shortness of breath;
• chest trauma;
• suspected coronavirus, pneumonia, aortic aneurysm, tuberculosis;
• enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy);
• presence of lumps or lumps in the chest area.
• oncological diseases of thoracic organs.

Preparation for CT of chest

Contrast-enhanced CT of chest is performed on an empty stomach. 6-8 hours before it starts, you should refrain from eating food, water and other drinks.

No special preparation is required before a non-contrast CT of chest. Before diagnostics, it is necessary to take off all metal objects from the chest area (jewelry, piercings, clothes with metal inserts). During the diagnostic procedure, you must not move.

Complications after CT of chest

In most cases, there are no complications after CT of chest. In rare cases, after contrast CT of chest, allergic skin reaction, hives or itching may occur. Risk factors for developing allergies include asthma, food allergies, and a previous reaction to intravenous contrast media.

You can undergo CT of chest at the medical center “ON Clinic Kharkiv” by appointment through the appointment form or by calling the phones indicated on the website. Applications for XT of chest are accepted around the clock.