GanzkörperCT

GanzkörperCT, also known as whole-body computed tomography (CT) or total-body CT, is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the entire human body in a single examination. This comprehensive scan can visualize all major organs, bones, and soft tissues from the head to the pelvis.

The procedure involves a patient lying on a scanning table that moves through a donut-shaped CT scanner. The scanner emits X-rays that pass through the body, and detectors on the opposite side measure the amount of radiation that is absorbed. A computer then processes this data to reconstruct a series of cross-sectional images, which can be viewed in various planes.

GanzkörperCT is primarily employed in specific clinical situations. It can be used for staging cancer, particularly in cases of suspected widespread metastasis, or for evaluating trauma patients with severe injuries to multiple body regions. It is also utilized in certain research protocols and for monitoring treatment response in specific oncological cases.

While GanzkörperCT provides a broad overview of the body, it involves a significant radiation dose compared to scans of individual body parts. Therefore, its use is carefully considered and justified based on the clinical indication to balance the diagnostic benefit against the potential risks of radiation exposure. It is not a routine screening tool for the general population. The interpretation of GanzkörperCT images requires specialized expertise from radiologists.