Computed tomography

The CT at Beta Klinik

Beta Klinik features a multi-spiral CT, which has the advantageous combination of pace, high-definition image quality and reduced radiation. These key aspects make it first choice for clinical examinations and research. Radiation exposure is automatically adjusted factoring in the individual height, weight and anatomy, saving up to 68% of radiation.

Radiologie-1

Radiologie-2

Because our CT works with the multislice spiral technique, X-ray tubes and detectors rotate around the body in a fast pace enabling comprehensive examination in short time. Such a brief examination time is especially suitable to elderly patients and patients who are only able to lay down very shortly. Even examinations making breath control necessary are feasible and bearable not only for patients with a short breathe. Additionally, image artifacts are reduced, which is very important for heart examinations.

With the help of the multislice spiral CT of Beta Klinik, we are able to examine, e.g., bones, joints, organs and vessels. The following examination options are only a short excerpt of the possible examinations:

  • cardiac CT (heart CT)
  • virtual CT colonoscopy
  • CT-guided microtherapy (infiltrations of joints, nerves, nerve roots, facet coagulation, etc., see image right)
  • thoracic CT
  • abdominal CT
  • CT skull, dental CT
  • spinal CT

How is computed tomography carried out?

The core technology of computed tomography is X-ray technology. However, during CT examination X-ray pictures are taken from different directions. The X-ray tube and detectors rotate around the person and record up to 64 layers at the same time at high speed thanks to multislice spiral CT technology. High-performance computers compose anatomical images from these single layer data sets. The CT of Beta Klinik adapts the radiation dose automatically in real time during a CT examination. This makes the best radiation dose for every individual patient possible. Sometimes, it can be crucial to use a contrast agent in order to make specific characteristics of a certain tissue visible that would simply be invisible without it. Depending on the region to be examined, this contrast agent has to be administered orally, intravenously or intra-thecally (in the dural sac/spinal canal, e.g. in case of conventional myelography or CT myelography). If you have to take it orally, for example, you drink a certain amount of contrast agent before the examination. Since CT contrast agents contain iodine, the intravenous application can cause an (pseudo-)allergic reaction. Therefore, it is important to answer a few questions before the examination, also to figure out if you are allergic to iodine.

There are some contraindications for CT usage, i.e., reasons against undergoing a CT examination. These contraindications do not exclude CT usage in general. But an experienced physician has to decide if the CT examination can be carried out. The following contraindications are known:

  • iodine allergy (relevant in case of intravenous application)
  • reduced kidney function (kidney insufficiency
  • hyperthyriodism
  • careful use, only if indicated and applicable, in case of pregnancy and pediatric examinations