computed axial tomography

(noun)

Computed axial tomography (CAT scan), is a medical imaging procedure that utilizes computer-processed X-rays to produce tomographic images or 'slices' of specific areas of the body. These cross-sectional images are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in various medical disciplines. Digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the inside of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation.

Related Terms

Examples of computed axial tomography in the following topics:

  • Medical Imaging

    • These 2D techniques are still in wide use despite the advance of 3D tomography due to the low cost, high resolution, and depending on application, lower radiation dosages.
    • Positron emission tomography (PET) uses coincidence detection to image functional processes .
    • Computed Tomography (CT), or Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) or CT scan is also known as a CAT scan, and is a helical tomography (latest generation), which traditionally produces a 2D image of the structures in a thin section of the body .
    • A CT scan image showing a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.X-ray computed tomography, also computed tomography (CT scan) or computed axial tomography (CAT scan), is a medical imaging procedure that utilizes computer-processed X-rays to produce tomographic images or 'slices' of specific areas of the body.These cross-sectional images are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in various medical disciplines.
    • The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide (tracer), which is introduced into the body on a biologically active molecule.Three-dimensional images of tracer concentration within the body are then constructed by computer analysis.A PET scan is one of the many medical uses for radioactive isotopes

  • Emission Topography

    • Positron emission tomography is a nuclear medical imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image of processes in the body.
    • Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medical imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body.
    • Three-dimensional images of tracer concentration within the body are then constructed by computer analysis.
    • A technique much like the reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data is more commonly used, although the data set collected in PET is much poorer than CT, so reconstruction techniques are more difficult.
    • Discuss possibility of uses of positron emission tomography with other diagnostic techniques.

  • Brain Imaging Techniques

    • Positron emission tomography (PET) scans measure levels of the sugar glucose in the brain in order to illustrate where neural firing is taking place.
    • The fMRI is a series of MRIs that measures both the structure and the functional activity of the brain through computer adaptation of multiple images.
    • MRI brain scan (in the axial plane—that is, slicing from front-to-back and side-to-side through the head) showing a brain tumor at the bottom right.

  • X-Ray Imaging and CT Scans

    • CT Scans use the assistance of a computer to take this information, and generate 3 dimensional images.
    • Tomography refers to imaging by sections, or sectioning. demonstrates this concept.
    • CT scans, or computed tomography scans use a combination of X-ray radiography and tomography to produce slices of areas of the human body.

  • NMR and MRIs

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize internal structures of the body in detail.
    • MRI shows a marked contrast between the different soft tissues of the body, making it especially useful in imaging the brain, the muscles, the heart, and cancerous tissue—as compared with other medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or X-rays.

  • Bone Scans

    • Some lesions, especially lytic (destructive) ones, require positron emission tomography (PET) for visualization.
    • This image demonstrates a Siemens single-photon emission computed tomography machine in operation, doing a total body bone scan.

  • Biopsychology

    • Three types of scans include (left to right) PET scan (positron emission tomography), CT scan (computed tomography), and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging).

  • Radiation Detection

    • Scintillators can also be used in neutron and high-energy particle physics experiments, new energy resource exploration, x-ray security, nuclear cameras, computed tomography, and gas exploration.
    • Other applications of scintillators include CT scanners and gamma cameras in medical diagnostics, screens in computer monitors, and television sets.

  • Structure of a Nerve

    • This initial exam can be followed with tests such as nerve conduction study, electromyography, or computed tomography.

  • Lung Cancer

    • Lung cancer may be seen on chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT scan).