CTteknologia

CTteknologia refers to computed tomography, a medical imaging method that creates cross-sectional images of the body by acquiring X-ray data from multiple angles around the patient. A rotating X-ray tube emits beams through the body while detectors measure transmitted radiation. Computational reconstruction converts the measurements into tomographic slices, which can be viewed individually or compiled into 3D volumes. The images show tissue density expressed in Hounsfield units, allowing distinction among bone, soft tissue, and air.

The technology emerged in the early 1970s through the work of Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack, leading to the first clinically usable CT scanners in 1971. Over time, CT evolved from single-slice to multi-slice systems, with helical (spiral) acquisition and more recently multi-detector and wide-detector configurations. Advances include faster scanning, higher resolution, and improved dose efficiency. Cone-beam CT is used in dental and some interventional applications, while dual-energy and spectral CT enable material differentiation.

CT is widely used in diagnostic radiology to visualize the brain, chest, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system, to guide biopsies, and to perform CT angiography and perfusion studies. The technique provides rapid, high-contrast imaging and good visualization of bone and acute pathology, but involves ionizing radiation and potential contrast-related risks. Artifacts from motion, metal, or beam hardening can affect image quality.

Safety and optimization focus on minimizing dose while preserving diagnostic information, through dose modulation, iterative reconstruction, contrast dosing guidelines, and adherence to ALARA principles. Ongoing research explores dose reduction, spectral and photon-counting CT, artificial intelligence-assisted reconstruction, and enhanced tissue characterization.