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CT Scanning
ImageAdvanced imaging services include STAT Spiral CT scanning with 3D reconstruction and DICOM capabilities.

What is CT?
Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic technique that uses x-rays and a computer to create pictures of multiple, thin, transverse sections of a patient's body. In conventional radiography, x-ray film simply records the results of an x-ray beam passing through the patient. In CT, axial (cross-sectional) images are reconstructed by computer analysis of transmitted x-ray intensity. This results in a more focused, detailed view of the region of interest.

History:
Since CT was introduced in the early 1970's, technology has advanced rapidly in design and capability. New machines consist of a round, tunnel-like gantry which houses the x-ray tube and an array of sensitive detectors, a table that moves into the gantry, and a computer console from which the equipment is operated. Veterinary patients are anesthetized and positioned on the table. The body part of interest is carefully positioned and centered in relation to the x-ray tube and detector housing (gantry) by use of external alignment lights. The animal is then slowly driven into the CT bore in 2 to 10 mm increments, and sequential slices through the area of interest are obtained. For each slice, the x-ray tube emits a finely collimated x-ray beam in multiple exposures as it rotates 360 degrees around the patient.

The intensity of the x-ray beams that pass through the patient is measured by the detectors. The information then passes to a computer, which evaluates and reconstructs the results into a picture displayed on a monitor.

On radiographs, one cannot usually perceive differences between tissues having slightly different physical properties. With CT, the image can be adjusted to show relatively small differences between tissues. Brain and spinal fluid, tumors, edema, blood clots, and necrosis can be recognized as separate entities rather than being lumped together as "opacities," which is how they are seen on x-rays.

Features of the Scanner:
Siemens 3rd generation AR.Star Spiral CT Scanner features continuous rotation and faster scan times (= less anesthesia time for your pet). Similar models are still being used in human facilities.

Imaging workstation allows for 3D reconstruction of CT data.

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) compatibility enables transmission, 3D reconstruction and analysis by a radiologist to obtain rapid, accurate diagnoses.

Slice thickness (width of the tissue being imaged) from 2-10mm.

-Scan time is 1.5 seconds per slice.

Image A patient having his lower extremity scanned
Image Pets are scanned under anesthesia to minimize movement. All patients are monitored via closed circuit video and pulse oximetry during the scan procedure.

What can CT do for your pet?
Any body part that can be radiographed can be imaged with CT. The technique is especially useful in the diagnosis of brain and spinal cord diseases, including cancer, hydrocephalus, vascular anomaly, congenital and acquired malformation, inflammatory disease, intervertebral disc disease, hemorrhage, and mineralization. In addition to neurologic disease, computed tomography is useful in diagnosing other important disorders in veterinary medicine, including persistent hypercalcemia, adrenal neoplasia, inner ear disease and complex musculoskeletal conditions (eg, elbow dysplasia and wobbler's syndrome). Suspected thoracic masses can be confirmed and located by CT, and in some animals, metastasis not seen on x-rays can be detected with CT images.

Computed tomography has revolutionized the field of radiotherapy, allowing treatment of tumors that were previously undefineable. The use of CT to delineate anatomic location, size, and extension of a tumor is an essential part of planning for radiotherapy. Three-dimensional characteristics are used by radiotherapy planning- software to determine the exact position and strength of radiation beams required to effectively treat the tumor. After radiotherapy, repeat CT allows reassessment of tumor volume, helping to determine prognosis.

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The illustrations above show the cervical (neck) vertebrate of a patient who was hit by a car resulting in spinal cord trauma and displacement of the cervical vertebrate. Illustration A is a multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and the arrow points toward a large step in the spinal canal which is causing spinal cord compression. Illustration B is a 3D rendering of the same region. Both of these views were reconstructed on our Siemens scanner and the data was used to facilitate repair and stabilization of the vertebrate.

Image Illustration C is an axial slice of a spinal vertebrate. The arrow points to a normal spinal canal.
Image In illustration D, the arrow points toward a ruptured intervertebral disc which is compressing the spinal cord enough to cause neurologic impairment in the patient.
Image Illustration E show an MPR view of the same disk. Again, the arrow points to the area of compression.
Image Illustration F depicts an axial section of a canine nasal cavity. The arrow points toward a consolidated area on the patient's left side indicative of a nasal fungal infection. The right side is normal. The radiologist reading the scan was able to determine that the consolidation was likely to be fungal rather than tumor, thus saving the patient from invasive exploratory surgery.