Tomography is a method of body imaging in which the X-ray source and/or detection device (e.g., film) rotate around the patient. In computed tomography (CT), a thin X-ray beam rotates as small detectors measure the amount of X-rays which make it through the patient or particular area of interest. By use of a complex algorithm, a computer analyzes the data to construct a cross-sectional (axial) image. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. In addition, three-dimensional models of organs can be created by stacking the individual images, or "slices."

Alternative Names

Computed axial tomography (CAT) scan