Commonwealth Radiology Associates
Computed Tomography
What is Computed Tomography?
Computed Tomography (CT), also known as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), is a three-dimensional image of the interior of the head, spine, chest or any other area of the body that is generated by the computer from a series of cross-sectional images. A CT scan may or may not use iodinated contrast. If you have an iodinated contrast allergy or problems with your kidneys, be sure to tell the ordering doctor the CT technologist before your exam begins.
Lung Cancer Screening
Early detection is a proven, successful strategy for fighting many forms of cancer.
People who have a high risk of developing lung cancer, but no signs or symptoms of the disease, can undergo low-dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scanning of the chest. This CT scan is designed to detect small nodules that may not be visible on a standard chest x-ray.
CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple, cross-sectional images or pictures of the inside of the body. LDCT produces images of sufficient quality to detect many lung diseases and abnormalities using up to 90 percent less ionizing radiation than a conventional chest CT scan.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the US. We are proud to offer lung cancer screening which has been shown to decrease lung cancer mortality when detected early. Using low-dose CT (LDCT), we are able to detect more early cancers that may not be visible on a chest x-ray using up to 90% less ionizing radiation than a conventional chest CT.
Insurances will cover lung cancer screening if you are high risk and Medicare will cover lung cancer screening if you meet the following criteria:
- if you are between 55 and 77 years old
- if you have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
- if you are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years
- if you have smoked the equivalent of at least one pack a day for 30 years
You may be eligible for this life saving lung cancer screening program.
Cardiac Calcium Scoring
A cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a non-invasive way of understanding the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart muscle.
Calcium Scoring is a test used to detect the build up of calcium deposits found in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries, a disease of the vessel wall, also called coronary artery disease (CAD). People with this disease have an increased risk for heart attacks. Computed Tomography (CT) is used to take cross-section images of the heart and generate a three-dimensional image for detailed examination.
Because calcium is a marker of CAD, the amount of calcium detected on a cardiac CT scan is a helpful prognostic tool. The findings on cardiac CT are expressed as a calcium score.
Commonwealth Radiology Associates
Imaging Experts
Noninvasive Diagnostics / Patient Satisfaction
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA)
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a heart imaging test to help determine if plaque buildup has narrowed the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart. Unlike traditional coronary angiograms, CT angiograms don’t use a catheter threaded through your blood vessels to your heart. Patients undergoing a CCTA scan receive contrast material (dye) as an intravenous (IV) injection to image the coronary arteries and help guide further management to minimize the risk of heart attack. Patients undergoing a CCTA scan receive an iodine-containing contrast material (dye) as an intravenous (IV) injection to ensure the best possible images of the heart blood vessels.
The cross-sectional images generated during a Computed tomography (CT) scan can be reformatted in multiple planes, and can even generate three-dimensional images.
CT images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels typically provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissues and blood vessels.