Helix CT scans use a special scanning technique that produces clearer, three-dimensional images in less time than conventional CT scans. Contrast material is often used to increase image clarity, and the short scan time reduces errors caused by patient movement.
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging technique that shows virtually everything inside the body, including bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels in a single scan. The images of a conventional scan are two-dimensional slices and are produced by combining X-rays taken from different angles. A helix CT scan, also called a spiral CT scan, uses a special scanning technique that produces better quality images in much less time than a conventional computed tomography scan. The scanner rotates around the patient in a spiral, creating three-dimensional images and typically show more detail than conventional CT scans.
Performing a helix CT scan involves scanning the patient without stopping, as they move across the scanner. This method provides clearer images of soft tissue and blood vessels and is useful for quickly diagnosing injuries in patients who have sustained severe trauma, especially to the chest. Often the source of internal damage can be pinpointed quickly on a helical CT scan, giving doctors more time to intervene before blood loss becomes critical.
In many cases, the patient is given contrast medium to make the blood vessels and some organs stand out better. What is used and how it is administered typically depends on what is being examined. Injections of contrast define blood vessels and some organs, such as the gallbladder, while contrast can be given orally to patients with stomach or esophagus problems. In some cases, an enema is used to highlight the intestine so that the structure is more easily visible. The contrast medium often causes some discomfort such as diarrhea or bloating, but in most cases the side effects do not last long.
It is not unusual to use some type of contrast material when performing a helix CT scan, increasing the clarity of the images obtained. These procedures are not always used and may be skipped when not medically necessary or in certain emergency situations, but are often essential for clarity. Scanning for a pulmonary embolism, for example, is a good use of the helical CT scan, but typically requires the use of contrast material for best results.
Using helical CT takes only about 30 seconds; this is one of the main reasons the images tend to be so clear compared to conventional CT scanning, which can take several minutes. Longer scans can have errors when the images are aligned, due to breathing or other patient movement, sometimes causing unclear or erroneous results. Because a patient can usually hold their breath for the short time required for the spiral scan, the results are much more reliable.
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