Question

Why is a CT study for PE scanned from from abdomen to just above shoulders?

A) To include the entire chest anatomy
B) To minimize radiation exposure to the head
C) To avoid artifacts from shoulder movement

Answer 1

A CT scan for a pulmonary embolism scans from the abdomen to just above the shoulders to capture the entire chest anatomy and reduce potential artifacts from shoulder movement, as well as minimizing radiation exposure to the head. The technology uses x-rays and computer analysis to provide detailed images.

Step-by-step explanation:

A CT scan for a pulmonary embolism (PE) typically scans from the abdomen to just above the shoulders to include the entire chest anatomy, which is the area of interest when diagnosing a PE. This range helps to visualize the lungs, pulmonary arteries, and other relevant thoracic structures in detail, as the precise level of detail afforded by CT imaging can identify any obstructions like blood clots down to the millimeter. Furthermore, this range reduces the potential for artifacts in the imaging which might be caused by movement of the shoulders and minimizes radiation exposure to the head, aligning with protocols that aim to reduce unnecessary radiation. The CT scanner operates by passing x-rays through the body and uses computer processing to create detailed images, which may aid in identifying abnormalities such as a PE.