Computed Tomography

Computed tomography, or CT, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses traditional X-ray imaging with computer processing to create a detailed view of regions within the body.

Here, the X-ray source rotates around the body, emitting rays that pass through very thin cross-sections, often just a few millimeters in thickness.

The detector opposite the X-ray source receives the signals and helps build a 2d slice or CT scan image.

Then the X-ray source moves further along the circumference to take slices one after the other. Several such 2D slices are put together to form the 3D image of the CT scans.

The intensity of the X-rays absorbed by the tissues is measured in Hounsfield units, a relative quantitative measurement of radiodensity, used to interpret the CT scans.

Unlike traditional X-ray imaging, CT can clearly distinguish structures with similar densities. It can also help analyze bone defects, clots, or tumors.