Get your HRCT Chest / Thorax done at the advanced Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Centre at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, which is a diagnostic centre accredited by NABL and NABH. The High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Chest gives detailed information and views into the lungs and other thoracic structures, which are helpful in the assessment of lung infections, interstitial lung diseases, airway disorders, and other lung diseases.

About HRCT Chest / Thorax

HRCT Chest / Thorax is a special kind of computed tomography (CT) scan that makes images with narrow slices to closely examine the structure and tissues of the lungs and small airways. It can be useful in recognizing subtle changes that may be present in the lung parenchyma that aren't easily detected on a simple chest X-ray. It may be suggested in patients with recurrent respiratory complaints. It may be recommended when previous investigations are inconclusive or further evaluation of suspected lung disease is required. It can also be helpful to determine the distribution and severity of pulmonary disease and aid in medical management.

What is HRCT Chest / Thorax?

The examination involves taking X-rays and computer processing to provide a detailed picture of the lungs, typically with extremely thin slices of the lungs (spatial resolution) and a special computer technique. If HRCT is going to be used to examine the lung tissue, it is typically not carried out with IV contrast media. These additional imaging procedures may be needed depending on the clinical indications and to assess certain conditions. The scan will help to visualize the structure of the lungs and airways, interstitial involvement, and specific abnormalities of the pleura and chest wall.

Common Reasons for HRCT Chest / Thorax

• Persistent Cough: assessment of persistent cough for lung disease.
• Unexplained Breathlessness: Investigations to determine in depth the symptoms of breathlessness that don't seem to have a cause.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Evaluation of the changes in the lungs caused by scarring and fibrosis.
• Suspected Bronchiectasis: abnormalities of the airways and changes in the lung assessed.
• Persistent lung abnormalities after respiratory infections – Post-Infection Lung Changes: Evaluation.
• Any abnormal finding that might show that the lungs should be investigated further is indicated: Abnormal Chest X-ray: Further investigation of findings that require more detailed lung imaging.
• Studies of selected occupational or environmental related lung diseases.
• Monitoring the (Known) Lung Disease: Monitoring of disease progression/change during follow-up clinically indicated.

Conditions Evaluated

Interstitial Lung Diseases

HRCT offers detailed visualization of the lung interstitium and can assist in detection of patterns which are related to interstitial lung diseases. The results could be used to consider the effects of other types of conditions that cause inflammation, scarring, or damage to lung tissue.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

The examination may facilitate the demonstration of abnormalities such as reticulations, architectural distortion, and other alterations typical of pulmonary fibrosis. Such results could be used as a guide for doctors to understand the extent and spread of fibrotic lung disease.

Bronchiectasis

Additionally, HRCT might assist in identifying excessive enlargement of the bronchi, thickening of the airways, and inflammation of the lung tissue surrounding them. 

Lung Infections and Inflammatory Changes

Patterns of lung disease that may be seen during the scan can be helpful in a number of infections and inflammatory diseases. Information gained from the imaging is combined with the symptoms, laboratory tests, and other clinical information.

Ground-Glass Opacities and Lung Nodules

HRCT will show ground-glass opacities, small nodules, and other subtle lung abnormalities. Their meaning and importance rely on the appearance, distribution, size, and the patient's clinical history.

Emphysema and Small Airway Disease

The examination can be helpful in demonstrating emphysematous changes and some of the selected small airway abnormalities. The results can play a role in the assessment of chronic respiratory symptoms.

Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Some occupational/work/exposure related lung abnormalities (e.g., some dust-related lung disease) can be evaluated with HRCT. Imaging will be interpreted with regard to history of exposure.

Pleural Abnormalities

The scan can help to identify abnormalities of the lining of the lungs (pleura), such as pleural thickening. Attention should be given to further investigation, depending on the conclusions.

Post-Infectious Lung Changes

HRCT may be helpful to assess abnormal changes in the lungs following respiratory illness and be useful to follow up long term. When signs and/or imaging history indicate further investigations of the condition, it may be helpful.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre that provides top-class facilities for diagnostic services that can be performed under three domains (radiology, nuclear medicine & pathology) in a single place. Our imaging focus is on proper protocols of care, current diagnostic technology, patient-centered care, and reporting. We want to generate high-quality images for the doctors to identify the nature of conditions in the lungs and then treat them as well.

Book Your HRCT Chest / Thorax

If your doctor has advised you to have an HRCT Chest / Thorax, you are suffering from respiratory symptoms for more than a week, you may think you have an interstitial lung disease, or you have been told that you might have bronchiectasis or other lung disease, please contact Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy to find out more and to arrange an appointment. Bring any medications, old chest X-ray, CT scan, reports, and medical records (if available).