Computed Tomography Scan

Background

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a noninvasive imaging modality that uses rotating X-ray beams and detectors to produce high-quality cross-sectional imaging of anatomic structures. The word “tomography” comes from the words “tomos” meaning “slice” and “graph” meaning “recording,” referring to the cross-sectional image slices recorded with CT imaging. A CT scan may also be referred to as a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.