What is the electron beam computed tomography used for?

Definition. Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) is a fast test to look for calcium build-up in the heart’s arteries. It uses an electron gun to scan the chest.

What primary advantage does an electron beam CT confer over a conventional 3rd generation CT scanner for cardiac imaging?

Answer. One of the factors that limit the speed of a conventional CT scanner is necessary rotation of the tube around the patient. EBCT completely avoids this problem because the machine does not have any moving parts.

What is a EBCT scan?

Electron Beam Computed Tomography (EBCT), also referred to as an “ultrafast CT,” is a type of high-speed CT scan designed to detect plaque in the coronary arteries. Doctors use EBCT heart scans to determine if a patient is at risk for a future heart attack.

Is CTA done with contrast?

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) uses an injection of contrast material into your blood vessels and CT scanning to help diagnose and evaluate blood vessel disease or related conditions, such as aneurysms or blockages. CTA is typically performed in a radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

What is a good CAC score?

A score of 100 to 300 means moderate plaque deposits. It’s associated with a relatively high risk of a heart attack or other heart disease over the next three to five years. A score greater than 300 is a sign of very high to severe disease and heart attack risk.

What is dual source CT scanner?

A dual-source CT scan uses two x-ray sources at right angles to each other. This doubles the speed of the test so you receive less radiation, and it also creates sharper images. A dual-source CT scan can be used to guide a surgeon to the right area, to identify tumors, or to study blood vessels.

What is an ultrafast CT scan?

Ultrafast CT, or electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT), can take multiple images of the heart within the time of a single heartbeat, thus providing much more detail about the heart’s function and structures, while also greatly decreasing the amount of time required for a study.

How many types of CT scans are there?

CT Angiography. CT Scan Arthrography. CT Scan Bones. CT Scan Brain/ CT Scan Head.