Dr Adriaan Liebenberg My Spine Explained | Page 116

CHAPTER 15
TESTS AND SCANS
There are several tests that your specialist may want to perform to confirm
your diagnosis. It is important to understand how these tests work, why your
specialist orders them and what the terminology means in plain language.
What is a CT scan (CAT scan)?
Computed tomography or CT scans have been with us for many years and are
performed for many different disease entities. A CT scan is made up of ordi-
nary X-rays (tomograms) that are fed into a computer (computed). They can
be performed with a contrast medium (dye) that is injected into the patient’s
veins. This contrast medium is usually iodine-based and circulates in the vas-
cular system of the body. It is taken up in areas where there is increased blood
flow such as areas of inflammation, infection or cancer. It is also used to
examine patients’ arteries and veins.
A CT scan is the best test to evaluate the integrity, alignment and pathology
of the vertebrae of your spine. It is, however, not as effective when evaluat-
ing the softer tissues such as discs, ligaments and nerves. MRI scans are the
best for evaluating softer tissues.
When undergoing a CT scan, you are placed in a large machine that is shaped
like a doughnut. The table you are lying on will move forward and backward
as the scan is being performed. Older-generation CT scanners could do only
one slice (exposure) at a time; modern scanners do many cuts at the same
time and are much faster.
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