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Diagnostics Computed tomography (CT)
A low-radiation X-ray tube circles around the patient and takes X-ray images of body regions in a matter of seconds. Details smaller than a millimeter can be detected.
State-of-the-art CT technology
In computed tomography (CT), an X-ray tube circles around the patient while simultaneously emitting a thin beam of X-rays. The X-ray radiation used in this process is optimized to a minimum, especially in the spiral CT used at Radiologe Baden-Baden. State-of-the-art post-processing tools have made it possible to significantly reduce the radiation dose. Click here to learn more about our high-end spiral CT ...
The examination time for a CT scan is only a few seconds, and because only a ring is used rather than a "tube," there are generally no problems for patients with claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). During the examination, you can see directly through the ring at the front and back.
The result is interference-free cross-sectional images of the examined body region. The particular advantage over conventional X-rays is the improved visualization of soft tissue, i.e., internal organs. Three-dimensional visualization is possible in every plane. In addition, density measurements can be used to determine whether the tissue is fatty tissue, fluid, or solid tissue, for example.
Important areas of application for computed tomography
Computed tomography has a very wide range of applications today. This method can quickly and accurately provide crucial information in examinations of the lungs and abdominal cavity, the head (e.g., in the diagnosis of bleeding and injuries), and the bones. Computed tomography is indispensable, especially in cases of accidents and strokes. Virtual image analysis procedures illustrate processes inside the body to referring colleagues and patients.
Nowadays, even moving organs, such as the beating heart, can be captured on images. This requires a very fast and powerful spiral CT scanner, such as the one used at Radiologie Baden-Baden. Click here to learn more about our high-end spiral CT scanner ...
In the field of cardiac CT, Praxis Radiologie Baden-Baden has many years of expertise and works closely with local cardiologists and clinics. Cardiac CT can be an alternative to cardiac catheterization in certain cases and is now firmly established in cardiology and European guidelines.Click here to learn more about cardiac diagnostics in Baden-Baden ...
Advantages of computed tomography
Computed tomography is a gentle and very fast examination procedure with a very high level of detail.
Typical application of CT examination
Typical indications
- Lung imaging, pulmonary vascular imaging (e.g., pulmonary embolism), tumor exclusion
- Abdominal imaging, tumor exclusion, inflammation exclusion
A quick and accurate diagnosis can be made by imaging the lungs (thorax) or the abdomen.
During the abdominal examination, you may need to start drinking contrast medium approximately 30 minutes before the examination in order to visualize the intestines.
The procedure requires only a low dose of X-rays and may only be performed by radiologists.
Typical indications
- Tumor exclusion, clarification of swallowing disorder
A quick and accurate assessment can be made by examining the neck.
The procedure requires only a low dose of X-rays and may only be performed by radiologists.
Typical indications
- Tumor exclusion, hemorrhage exclusion
- Imaging of the paranasal sinuses (exclusion of inflammation)
The skull image allows for a quick and accurate diagnosis.
No contrast agent is required for the examination of the paranasal sinuses (PNS).
The procedure requires only a low dose of X-rays and may only be performed by radiologists.
Typical indications
- Diagnosis of CHD (coronary heart disease), coronary artery narrowing
- Determination of coronary calcium
- Stent and bypass check
Cardiac CT is performed in close cooperation with our colleagues in private practice, especially cardiologists, and can complement their examinations. CT coronary angiography or cardiac CT is performed to rule out narrowing of the coronary arteries in cases of corresponding risk factors or noticeable symptoms. In addition, the patency of coronary artery bypass vessels can be verified. CT coronary angiography allows the coronary arteries to be visualized without the need to insert a catheter into the groin. Cardio CT is now an integral part of cardiological and European guidelines.
Interesting facts about the radiation dose of CT coronary angiography
As with cardiac catheterization, CT coronary angiography uses X-rays, which means that the examination involves exposure to radiation. The radiation dose varies depending on the issue being investigated. The Radiologie Baden-Baden practice has a top-of-the-range 128-slice spiral CT scanner from SIEMENS Edge – it is particularly fast at producing razor-sharp images of the beating heart and is also extremely low in radiation. In many cases, CT coronary angiography can achieve a radiation dose of less than 1 mSv. This dose is significantly lower than the usual doses for cardiac catheterization—however, only cardiac catheterization can be used to perform a direct intervention in cases requiring treatment. This means that the radiation exposure is significantly lower than that to which every person is exposed from the environment year after year (approx. 2.5 mSv per year).
Preparation: Avoid caffeinated beverages on the day of the examination, and do not take any potency-enhancing medication (e.g., Viagra) up to 24 hours before the examination.
Who is this examination suitable for?
- For patients with a so-called "moderate, possibly even low pre-test probability" of coronary heart disease (CHD), i.e., when the probability of coronary artery narrowing requiring treatment is rather low—but cannot be ruled out with certainty. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about whether you need a CT coronary angiography.
- For patients who have undergone aortocoronary bypass surgery. CT coronary angiography is now an equivalent alternative to cardiac catheterization for assessing the condition of bypass vessels.
For patients who need to have the patency of a coronary artery checked after stent (vascular support) implantation. - For patients who are scheduled for heart valve surgery.
Advantages of CT coronary angiography
- Unlike cardiac catheterization, no catheter is inserted into the artery. This means that the risk of possible incidents or side effects is low.
- The examination is much faster and involves less radiation than cardiac catheterization.
- "Soft plaques" that have not yet led to narrowing of the coronary arteries can only be detected using CT coronary angiography.
The procedure requires only a low dose of X-rays and may only be performed by radiologists. Please clarify in advance whether your health insurance will cover the costs of the examination, or at least part of them.
Typical indications
- Determination of calcification of a coronary artery
CT coronary calcium scoring is usually performed in conjunction with cardiac CT. CT coronary calcium scoring can be used to detect calcification of the coronary arteries. Calcification is a sign of coronary artery disease, as healthy coronary arteries do not show any calcification. Computer-assisted analysis allows us to use standardized criteria to determine whether and to what extent calcification of the coronary arteries is present.
Based on comparative values from a large patient group, the risk of coronary heart disease can be estimated depending on gender and age. If the examination reveals large amounts of coronary calcium, coronary heart disease is more likely. In the long term, CT coronary calcium measurement can also be used to monitor the course of the disease and the success of appropriate therapeutic measures.
Who is this examination suitable for?
For patients who do not have typical symptoms but who have risk factors such as a family history of heart attacks, diabetes, obesity, or smoking, and for whom cardiac catheterization is not (yet) indicated. No contrast agent is required.
Interesting facts about the radiation dose of CT coronary calcium measurement
X-rays are used for CT coronary calcium scoring. The resulting radiation dose is significantly less than 0.5 mSv. This means that the radiation exposure is considerably lower than the amount of radiation that every person is exposed to from the environment each year (approx. 2.5 mSv per year).
The procedure requires only a low dose of X-rays and may only be performed by radiologists. Please clarify in advance whether your health insurance will cover the costs of the examination, or at least part of them.
Typical indications
- High-resolution imaging of joints and bones
- Assessment of fractures and fracture healing, including metal implants Measurement of bone density (osteodensitometry)
The Radiology Baden-Baden practice is an accredited center of excellence for musculoskeletal imaging by the German Radiological Society. Click here to learn more about Radiology Baden-Baden's certifications. One area of focus is musculoskeletal imaging for the diagnosis of acute and chronic diseases and injuries of the entire musculoskeletal system in adults and children. Our practice provides patients with a high-end, latest-generation CT scanner. In the area of image artifact reduction due to implants, e.g., after a bone fracture, the use of special post-processing tools such as iMAR (iterative metal artifact reduction) in this latest generation of devices can significantly improve image quality and thus the diagnostic information.
Of course, we also offer bone density measurement (QCT) for early detection or monitoring of osteoporosis progression and treatment. QCT can be an alternative to the conventional DEXA method. DEXA is the technique that is generally recommended in the guidelines and treatment guidelines.
The procedure requires only a low dose of X-rays and may only be performed by radiologists.
Typical indications
- Tumor exclusion of the lung
- pneumonia
- pulmonary embolism
Low-dose CT scans of the lungs are performed in close cooperation with our colleagues in private practice, particularly pulmonologists, and can complement their examinations. Lung cancer in particular can now be diagnosed very gently and reliably using low-dose computed tomography. However, when it comes to really fine details, e.g., before therapy, a "normal" CT scan of the lungs is usually still required, as the image resolution is even more detailed than with a low-dose CT scan. With the extremely low-dose, top-of-the-range CT scanner available to our patients, however, even in this case the radiation exposure is very low. With state-of-the-art technology, tumors can be detected even when they are only a few millimeters in diameter.
The procedure is therefore very well suited as an early detection measure for patients with an increased risk of lung cancer (e.g., heavy smokers). In addition to its use as an early detection method for lung cancer, we also perform low-dose CT scans of the lungs, depending on the issue at hand and the patient's constitution, to diagnose diseases related purely to the lungs (e.g., asbestosis, sarcoidosis) and to search for tumors in high-risk patients.
Advantages and disadvantages of early detection of lung cancer using computed tomography
- Low-dose CT using multi-slice technology is currently considered the most sensitive method for early detection of lung cancer.
- Low-dose CT can increase the chances of recovery, as lung cancer tumors can be detected at a very early stage.
- Low-dose CT scans of the lungs can also detect lung cancer tumors that are "hidden" behind blood vessels and the dome of the diaphragm. Conventional methods do not detect such tumors.
- Using our standard computer-assisted analysis of CT data, we can accurately measure the volume of a tumor and detect even the smallest changes in size. This means that, based on a CT follow-up examination at three- to six-month intervals, benign tissue changes can be reliably distinguished from malignant ones, for example, based on a lack of growth in size.
- The introduction of new detector systems means that lung examinations can be performed on modern CT scanners with a very low radiation dose. With multi-slice CT technology using the SIEMENS Edge, radiation exposure is now only a fraction of that of original CT examinations.
The procedure requires only a low dose of X-rays and may only be performed by radiologists.
- Diagnosis of changes in teeth and tooth roots
- Planning of implantological or dental surgical procedures
In many cases, dental surgery requires imaging that is as precise as possible and involves low radiation exposure. Using appropriate image processing techniques and 3D visualizations, potential procedures can be planned in advance in the best possible way. This ensures the best possible results for the patient. Our practice provides patients with a high-end, latest-generation CT scanner. In the area of image artifact reduction due to implants, the use of special post-processing tools such as iMAR (iterative metal artifact reduction) in this latest generation of devices enables a significant improvement in image quality and thus in diagnostic accuracy with minimal radiation exposure. Contrast agent application is only necessary in exceptional cases.
- Hydro-CT stomach
- Hydro-CT pancreas
- Low-dose whole-body CT scan
- CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis