Chest computed tomography

Chest computed tomography uses rotating X-rays and computer reconstruction to create cross-sectional images of the lungs, airways, blood vessels, heart, and other thoracic structures.

Computed tomography: An imaging technique that reconstructs cross-sectional images from measurements of transmitted X-rays. Chest CT is the thoracic application of this broader imaging method.
Lung cancer screening: Testing people without symptoms to detect lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. Low-dose chest CT is the established screening test for eligible high-risk adults.
Thorax: The part of the body between the neck and abdomen, enclosed by the chest wall. Chest CT covers the organs and spaces contained within this region.
Chest radiography: Two-dimensional X-ray imaging of the chest, commonly used to assess lungs, heart, and bones. It is faster and uses less radiation, but superimposed anatomy hides some findings.
Hounsfield unit: A standardized scale expressing X-ray attenuation in computed tomography images. These values distinguish air, fat, fluid, and denser tissues in chest images.
Low-dose computed tomography: A CT technique that reduces radiation exposure while retaining sufficient image quality for a defined task. It is used for lung cancer screening and selected follow-up examinations.
Lung: A paired respiratory organ where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide leaves it. Its air-filled tissue creates distinctive CT patterns that aid diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging: An imaging method that uses magnetic fields and radio waves rather than X-rays. MRI avoids ionizing radiation but is less commonly used for routine lung imaging.
Iterative reconstruction: A computational method that repeatedly refines an image estimate to match measured data. It can reduce image noise and radiation dose in chest CT.
CT pulmonary angiography: A contrast-enhanced CT examination optimized to display the pulmonary arteries. It is commonly used to investigate suspected pulmonary embolism.

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