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CT scans are frequently used to evaluate the chest. A chest CT scan is frequently ordered to look at the lungs, heart and nearby tissues. It may be ordered after a chest x-ray shows a lung nodule or to evaluate pneumonia and other lung diseases such as emphysema. Some chest CT scans are tailored to look for heart disease, aneurysms of the aorta or pulmonary emboli. Chest CT scans are also used to look for the spread or recurrence of cancer.

If you've been in an accident, a chest CT scan can detect a pneumothorax (air leak), fractures of the bones of the chest or bleeding.

A CT scan of the chest will evaluate:

Lungs

A chest CT scan will detect pneumonia, emphysema, lung scarring, pleural effusion (fluid on the lungs), pneumothorax (air leak), and lung cancer.

Mediastinum

The mediastinum refers to the part of the chest that contains your heart, vessels and the esophagus.  The chest CT will detect lymph nodes, tumors in the chest, heart disease, pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), aneurysms of the aorta and pulmonary emboli (these cause sudden shortness of breath). It can also detect tumors or inflammation of the esophagus.

Bones

Your chest is protected by your ribs, sternum and the spine. A chest CT scan can detect fractures of these bones, tumors, infection or degenerative changes.

Other structures

A chest CT scan also includes parts of the upper abdomen and can pick up abnormalities of the liver, spleen and stomach.

Your Chest CT Scan

A chest CT generally takes about 5 minutes or so to complete.  Many chest CT scans are done with IV contrast.

If you're insured, you may need to have your test authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured use our website to look up Chest CT scan costs, find a certified imaging center and buy your test with a credit card.

Have you had a Chest CT scan? What was it like? Please leave your comments below.