From the Guidelines
A complete thoracic Computed Tomography (CT) scan includes imaging of the entire thoracic cavity, from the level of the cricoid cartilage to the second lumbar vertebra, with a slice thickness of 2 to 3 mm [ 1 ].
Key Components
- Intravenous (IV) contrast may be used to improve delineation of centrally located primary tumors and lymph nodes [ 1 ]
- 4D-CT scans are preferred for treatment planning in thoracic oncology, as they account for tumor motion during respiration [ 1 ]
- Multiplanar reconstructions and 3-D renderings are essential elements of a complete thoracic CT scan, particularly in CT angiography (CTA) [ 1 ]
Imaging Protocols
- Nonenhanced CT with multiplanar reconstructions may be adequate for initial diagnosis of suspected thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) [ 1 ]
- CTA with IV contrast is recommended for further evaluation and therapy planning of TAA, as it provides high sensitivity for thrombus and dissection [ 1 ]
- Electrocardiogram-gated CTA may be used to minimize cardiac motion artifact and allow for accurate orthogonal measurement of the ascending thoracic aorta [ 1 ]
From the Research
Definition of a Complete Thoracic CT Scan
A complete thoracic Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the chest, including the lungs, heart, and other thoracic structures.
Key Components of a Complete Thoracic CT Scan
- Near isotropic, submillimeter resolution acquisition of the complete chest in a single breath hold, as enabled by current CT technology 2
- Systematic approach to the characterization of thoracic pathology, including appreciation of normal CT anatomy and commonly encountered abnormalities 3
- Use of CT techniques and protocols to detect and diagnose a wide variety of pulmonary, cardiovascular, and other diseases of the chest 3, 4
- Potential use of advanced CT technologies, such as dual-energy spectral computed tomography (DESCT), to evaluate thoracic malignancies and other conditions 5
Clinical Applications of Thoracic CT Scans
- Investigation of chest disease, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other thoracic conditions 4, 6
- Evaluation of the clinical impact of thoracic CT scans on diagnosis and patient management, including changes in diagnosis and probability scores for clinical diagnoses 6
- Use of CT scan results to inform clinical decision-making and guide patient care, including prioritization of high-urgency cases and reduction of waiting times 6