What Is This Scan?

A Chest CT uses X-rays and advanced computer processing to produce highly detailed images of the structures within the chest.

• It provides significantly more detail than a standard chest X-ray and allows assessment of the:
• Lungs
• Airways
• Pleura (lining around the lungs)
• Mediastinum
• Lymph nodes
• Heart and surrounding structures
• Pulmonary arteries and other major blood vessels
• Chest wall and ribs

Different CT techniques can be used depending on the condition being investigated, including standard CT Chest, High-Resolution CT (HRCT) and CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA).

At IMPACT Radiology, the CT protocol can be tailored to the specific clinical question your doctor would like assessed.

Conditions We Commonly Assess

• Lung nodules
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia and other chest infections
• Bronchiectasis
• Emphysema
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs)
• Pleural thickening and pleural disease
• Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
• Occupational lung disease
• Asbestos-related lung and pleural disease
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Mediastinal masses
• Airways disease
• Lung collapse
• Chest trauma
• Rib abnormalities
• Metastatic disease
• Complications following surgery or treatment
• And many more.

Why Might My Doctor Request This Scan?

• Persistent or unexplained cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Recurrent chest infections
• An abnormal chest X-ray
• A known or suspected lung nodule
• Suspected pneumonia or other infection
• Suspected interstitial lung disease
• Suspected pulmonary fibrosis
• Suspected pulmonary embolism
• Previous asbestos or occupational exposure
• Known or suspected cancer
• Unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms
• And many more.

CT may also be performed to monitor a known lung condition, follow previously identified lung nodules or assess your response to cancer treatment.

Preparation

Many Chest CT examinations require no special preparation.

CT Chest may be performed with or without intravenous contrast, depending on the clinical question.

• HRCT examinations are performed without intravenous contrast.

CTPA requires intravenous contrast to assess the pulmonary arteries.

If intravenous contrast is required, you may be asked to fast for several hours before your examination.

Please inform our staff if you have previously had a reaction to CT contrast.

Please let us know if you have significant kidney disease or impaired kidney function.

You will be provided with specific instructions if any preparation is required.

What Happens During the Scan?

You will lie comfortably on the CT table, usually on your back with your arms positioned above your head where possible.

You will be asked to hold your breath briefly while the images are obtained. This helps minimise movement and allows clear assessment of the lungs.

If intravenous contrast is required, a small cannula will be placed into a vein, usually in your arm. When the contrast is injected, you may briefly experience a warm sensation or metallic taste. This is common and usually passes quickly.

Most Chest CT examinations are completed within 5–10 minutes, with the actual CT image acquisition taking only a few seconds.