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| What is a CT Scan? | ||
| CT is an abbreviation for computed tomography, which is a valuable diagnostic medical exam combining x-rays and computers. Previously known as "CAT scans", CT scans have successfully been in use for almost three decades.
A CT scan can give your physician a non-invasive way to see inside your body. One advantage of CT is its ability to rapidly acquire two-dimensional pictures of your bodies anatomy. Using a computer, these 2-D images can be presented as 3-D images for in-depth clinical evaluations. CT scans at Sacramento HeartScan are performed using the GE Lightspeed Ultra. The newest generation GE Lightspeed, an 8-slice CT scanner (versus the more conventional 4-slice scanner) is so fast it captures clear images of the heart between beats. This rapid imaging also translates into clear, more precise pictures of the brain, lungs, colon, arteries and other important soft tissues. The speed with which the GE Lightspeed Ultra works also reduces the dose of radiation needed to make diagnostic, high resolution images. It is safer for you and provides better diagnostic information for your physician. CT exams are performed when a doctor suspects a medical problem that cannot be detected easily on a routine physical examination. CT is also used to rapidly obtain specific diagnostic information that hasn't been provided by other imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, traditional x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). |
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| Why should I have my scan at Sacramento HeartScan? | ||
Sacramento HeartScan is part of the Sacramento Heart Center, the areas premier integrated cardiac facility providing complete cardiology and wellness care plus a full range of diagnostic and laboratory services. Sacramento Heart & Vascular Medical Associates, developers of the Sacramento Heart Center, are affiliated with most health care systems in Sacramento. Sacramento HeartScan is one of a limited number of cardiovascular centers in the United States using the GE Lightspeed Ultra for detection of disease. The GE Lightspeed Ultra CT scan can uncover early stages of disorders such as: heart disease, lung cancer, colon cancer and osteoporosis. Sacramento HeartScan also offers one of the most comprehensive medical diagnostic capabilities available anywhere, providing a comprehensive view of your health. Sacramento HeartScan physicians, technologists, management and support staff are dedicated to helping healthy people stay healthy, and ultimately achieve and maintain their optimum wellness. |
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| What scans are available? | ||
| Coronary Artery Calcium Screening | ||
| Coronary artery screening (scoring) is a rapid and accurate technique which assesses the amount of calcium within the arteries of the heart. Research has shown that the amount of calcification within atherosclerotic plaque is an excellent indication of the total amount of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. The higher the calcium score, the more likelihood of significant atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Conversely, a low calcium score implies a very low probability of having significant atherosclerosis. Thus, coronary artery screening provides an accurate assessment of the presence of atherosclerosis and the likelihood of future coronary events (heart attacks). |  |
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| Lung Screening | ||
| A non-invasive procedure which provides a detailed image of the lungs is used to detect abnormalities too small to be seen with the standard chest x-ray. Most screening is used for early detection of lung cancers and patients at high risk (smokers). | ||
| Whole Body Screening | ||
| This non-invasive procedure uses rapid CT imaging to screen the heart, lungs, chest, abdomen and pelvis for silent disease, including some forms of cancer, heart disease and aortic aneurysm. A coronary calcium score, which helps detect early heart disease, and a bone density determination, for detecting osteoporosis, are also included. |  |
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| CT Angiography | ||
| Rapid CT scanning and advances in high speed computers allows the imaging of various arteries of the body, including the coronary arteries. In the past, the only way that physicians could properly evaluate arteries for atherosclerosis and other abnormalities involved an admission to the hospital and specialized x-ray equipment requiring an invasive procedure. Now, Sacramento HeartScan offers rapid CT angiography utilizing a venous (IV) injection of iodine dye. | ||
| Head Screening | ||
| A head (brain) scan allows an in-depth look and early detection for brain tumors, strokes and other silent diseases which can be fatal if not detected. | ||
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| What should I expect? | ||
| A CT technologist will escort you to the CT scanner, which consists of an exam table and a large, non-enclosed doughnut-shaped device (gantry). The technologist will have you lie on the padded table, and make sure you are comfortable. You will be asked to lie very still during the scan and to hold your breath for a short time to minimize body motion. Because of the unique nature of the GE Lightspeed Ultra and its rapid imaging capability, most imaging takes less than five minutes. During the scan, you might hear a humming noise, but you will not feel anything unusual. Only the table will move while images are being taken of your body. The technologist monitors and talks with you throughout the exam. |
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| What happens after the CT exam? | ||
| Our radiologist will carefully analyze your CT images, review the findings with a Sacramento Heart Center professional and provide a report. Your primary care physician will receive a report of the results, and depending upon the findings, you may also receive a consultation from a Sacramento Heart provider. | ||