A CT scan of the chest is commonly done following an abnormal chest x-ray finding.
Intravenous contrast material is often used to better delineate the anatomy and look for abnormalities.
Indications
- To evaluate tumours of the pleura, lung and mediastinum.
- Pulmonary embolism (clots in the lung) is detected using CT.
- Interstitial lung disease (i.e. pulmonary fibrosis) is best demonstrated using high resolution scanning techniques (HRCT).
- Lung infections (abscess) and empyema (infected pleural fluid) can be imaged.
- Fractures of the ribs and sternum are easily seen on CT.