What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan is used to take a picture of your child's body. A computer uses X-rays to make "slice-like" pictures of the heart and the vessels associated with the heart.
Why use a CT scan to image the pulmonary veins?
A CT scan of the pulmonary veins can give very precise information about the anatomy of the pulmonary veins. Compared to echo, a CT scan can show disease that exists in pulmonary veins that is far away from the heart. On a CT scan, the radiologist can measure the degree of stenosis in the individual veins.
Things to know about CT scans
CT scans to image the pulmonary veins requires contrast and the scans are associated with radiation. The about of radiation depends on the settings used at your home institution. It is possible to have high resolution scans that have low radiation.
CT scans
- A CT scan be a quick study and so full sedation is not required.
- A CT scan can provide detailed anatomical information about the pulmonary veins
- A CT scan does not give any physiological information such as gradients or heart pressures.