Computed Tomography

Abstract

The advent of multidetector CT has resulted in significant reduction in image acquisition time, thus facilitating widespread integration of CT into clinical practice. Modern scanners provide excellent contrast and spatial resolution while multi-phase contrast enhanced techniques facilitate depiction of arterial and venous anatomy and pathology such as arterial embolic and venous thrombotic disease across a range of organ systems. The main drawback of CT in the Intensive Care setting is the need to transfer the critically ill patient with their support equipment out of the ICU setting for imaging. This limiting factor requires careful consideration against the superior diagnostic quality of the images provided with multidetector CT and its potential to significantly alter patient management.