Chest CT Scans

Chest CT scans offer a powerful window into the complexities of your lungs and chest cavity.

Pulmonary Nodules

During a chest CT scan, small, round growths called pulmonary nodules may be detected. While most nodules are benign, some may require further evaluation. 

Chest CT scans help by providing information about:

• The size of the nodule. Larger nodules generally require closer monitoring or further investigation compared to very small nodules.
• The location of the nodule within the lung. Certain locations may raise suspicion for malignancy and merit further evaluation.
• The shape of the nodule. Knowing if the nodule is smooth and round or irregular and spiculated (having pointed edges) can be a factor in determining its characteristics.

Analyzing these details can help providers establish a baseline and determine if any follow-up testing is necessary for monitoring or definitive diagnosis.

Additionally, regular chest CT scans performed at specific intervals can be used for follow-up tests to monitor lung nodules. This enables the detection of any potential growth, which may indicate malignancy. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of lung cancer.

Persistent Cough

A persistent cough can be a frustrating symptom with multiple potential causes.  While a chest CT scan isn't always the first line of investigation, it can be a powerful tool for identifying the underlying cause of your cough.

The detailed images can visualize your airways and surrounding structures, revealing potential reasons for the irritation, such as:

• Identifying signs of infections within the lungs or airways, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which can manifest as a cough
• Visualizing inflammation of the airways due to conditions like asthma or allergies
• Revealing the presence of a foreign object lodged in the airway, causing irritation and cough

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs. A chest CT scan offers a clear picture of your lungs, allowing your provider to assess the severity of the infection by identifying the spread and severity of the infection and the amount of fluid buildup in the air sacs.

Pleural Effusion 

Pleural effusion refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall. This fluid buildup can cause difficulty breathing and chest pain.

A chest CT scan can clearly show the presence and amount of fluid accumulation in the pleural space. In some cases, the CT scan may also help identify whether the fluid buildup was caused by infection, heart failure, or blood clots in the chest.

In some cases, a standard chest CT scan may not provide enough detail for specific lung conditions. A high-resolution CT thorax can help in such cases. 

This specialized scan offers even greater detail of the lung tissue, allowing for a more precise evaluation.

• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): ILD is a group of conditions that cause scarring of the lung tissue, making it harder to breathe. High-resolution CT scans can reveal characteristic patterns of scarring specific to different types of ILD, aiding in diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions.
• Emphysema: Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs. High-resolution CT scans can visualize the extent of emphysema and the degree of air trapping in the lungs, allowing providers to assess the severity of the condition and develop a personalized management plan.
• Fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue, or fibrosis, can occur due to various reasons, including infections or autoimmune conditions. High-resolution CT scans can help assess the severity and distribution of lung fibrosis, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression.

Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks a blood vessel. A specialized CT scan called CT angiography can be instrumental in diagnosing this condition.

During this scan, a contrast dye is injected into your vein. The dye travels through your bloodstream and shows up brightly on the CT scan, allowing visualization of blood flow within the lungs. 

CT angiography can help diagnose or rule out pulmonary embolism by looking for disruptions in blood flow patterns. This enables prompt treatment, preventing serious complications.