CT Scans

Computed tomography (CT) scans create 3D images of your bones, organs, and soft tissues, providing extensive details revealing many conditions, including cancer.

Christopher Riedl, MD, PhD, specializes in performing CT scans that physicians rely on to diagnose and treat cancers throughout the body. Dr. Riedl also offers lung cancer screening using CT scans.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

 

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan is a specialized X-ray technology that takes images from different angles around your body. The images go to a computer that digitally connects different slices of information to produce detailed 3D images. While X-rays are known for diagnosing bone problems, a CT scan also creates accurate images of soft tissues, including blood vessels, muscles, and organs.

What is a CT scan with contrast?

Some CT scans are done using contrast materials, drugs that highlight certain organs or tissues. Dr. Riedl may administer contrast drugs orally, through an injection, or intravenously. The contrast material doesn’t affect the tissues, but they make them appear differently on the CT scan, allowing Dr. Riedl to see changes that wouldn’t be visible without the contrast.

When would I need a CT scan?

CT scans allow physicians to diagnose many health conditions, from internal injuries, fractures, and musculoskeletal disorders to lung and blood vessel diseases.However, Dr. Riedl specializes in performing CT scans to detect cancer and confirm the mass’s size, location, and shape.A CT scan reveals tumors in every part of your body, including:

  • Facial bones

  • Sinuses

  • Skull

  • Brain

  • Temporal bone

  • Orbits (bones protecting your eyes)

  • Neck

  • Chest

  • Abdomen

  • Pelvis

Dr. Riedl performs a CT urogram to get images of your kidneys, ureters, and bladder. He also does lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT chest scan.

What happens during a CT scan?

The CT scanner is a donut-shaped machine with a round tunnel in the center of the device. The machine is open on both ends, so you’re not enclosed, but let the team at imagingwest know if you’re claustrophobic. They work with you, creating a plan to reduce stress and recommending ways to improve your experience.You lie on a table that slides into the tunnel. Once you’re in the right position, your CT technologist enters an adjoining room to start the scan. Even though they’re in a different room, they can see you, and you can communicate with them if needed.You may hear buzzing noises as the components inside the device move around your body taking X-rays. Though it takes time to get you ready and in position, the CT scan doesn’t take long.  To schedule a CT scan, call imagingwest or request one online today.

Helpful Information

 

Important to know

  • Please bring copies of your most recent CT, X-ray, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) films with you on the day of your PET/CT scan.

  • No special preparations are required in advance. You can have a small breakfast on the day of the examination.

  • Drink plenty of water one hour before the examination.

  • On the day of the examination, contact with pregnant women or young children should be avoided.

What you need for a PSMA PET-CT

  • The examination costs are not reimbursed by the health insurance companies.

  • Some private insurance companies cover part of the costs, you should definitely submit our fee note there.

  • Depending on the medical question, an individual tracer is produced for your examination.

If you need to cancel your appointment

  • If need to cancel your appointment, please inform us of this no later than the day before by 12 noon, otherwise we will have to charge a cancellation fee.

  • Also, if we can’t reach you to confirm the appointment 48 hours before the exam we will have to reschedule you. You can of course also call us if you are not reachable.

 

How a PSMA PET-CT works

  • We will inject you a small dose of the radioactive tracer substance specially prepared for you.

  • Then wait 120 minutes in a lying position to achieve the appropriate tracer distribution and enrichment.

  • The recording in the scanner takes about 20minutes.

  • Drink plenty of fluids after the examination to speed up the elimination of the tracer.

  • Please let us know if you suffer from claustrophobia. Here are some tips if you do.

Side effects

  • No side effects are to be expected from the injection of the radioactive tracer itself.

  • Side effects can result from the administration of iodine-containing contrast medium in the context of the possibly accompanying contrast medium-assisted computed tomography (intolerance reaction, hyperthyroidism, exacerbation of a pre-existing renal insufficiency).

  • Please make sure to point out in the informative discussion if you have had a reaction to a contrast medium in the past (reddening of the skin, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.).