Computed tomography of the chest, with or without extension to the neck (neck and chest CT scan)
Chest CT Scan in Casablanca
A chest CT scan is an X-ray exam that produces cross-sectional images of the chest: the lungs, the bronchi, the heart and the large blood vessels, the lymph nodes, the pleura (the lining of the lungs) and the ribs. Without injection, it mainly studies the lungs and the bronchi. With an injection of iodinated contrast agent, it also examines the mediastinum (the space between the two lungs) and the blood vessels. It can be extended to the neck: this is then called a neck and chest CT scan.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Each series lasts only a few seconds, and the exam on the table usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Revolution
When is this exam needed?
- Cough, shortness of breath or coughing up blood that persists.
- Abnormality seen on a chest X-ray, for example a nodule (a small round spot).
- Monitoring of a nodule, emphysema or dilated bronchi (bronchiectasis).
- Suspected fibrosis or another disease of the lung tissue (interstitial lung disease).
- Examination of the mediastinum, the lymph nodes or the blood vessels, with injection.
- Assessment or follow-up of a cancer, sometimes including the neck in the same exam.
How the exam is done
You remove upper-body clothing that contains metal (underwire bras, zippers) and your necklaces. If an injection is planned, a small tube is placed in a vein in your arm. You lie on your back, with your arms raised above your head on a support, so that they do not interfere with the images.
During the image acquisition, a voice asks you to breathe in deeply and then hold your breath for a few seconds: holding your breath prevents blurring caused by chest movements. Depending on the indication, a series while breathing out (lungs emptied) or lying on your stomach may be added. The injection may cause a spreading feeling of warmth or a feeling of needing to urinate, both very brief. You can then return to your activities.
Preparation
- Wear clothes that are easy to remove, without metal underwires.
- Bring your inhaler if you use one, and tell us if you are very short of breath.
- Let us know if a painful shoulder prevents you from raising your arms.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
The injection is unnecessary for a nodule, emphysema or fibrosis. It is used for the lymph nodes, the mediastinum, the pleura and the blood vessels: the iodinated contrast agent is then injected into a vein in the arm by an automatic injector.
Contraindications and precautions
- Previous reaction to an iodinated contrast agent: tell us when you book; a preparation or another exam may be offered.
- Diabetes treated with metformin, or kidney disease: please tell us. Depending on your kidney function, the radiologist will tell you whether metformin should be paused after the injection. Bring a recent creatinine test if you are asked to.
- Hyperthyroidism or a thyroid nodule, especially for a neck and chest CT scan with injection.
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us before the exam. A CT scan uses X-rays: it is performed during pregnancy only if it is essential.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after an iodinated contrast injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Previous chest X-rays and CT scans, essential for following a nodule
- Pulmonology reports or breathing test results if you have them
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
- Recent kidney function test if an injection is planned
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a chest CT scan depends on the area (chest only, or neck and chest) and on the iodinated contrast injection, which is unnecessary for a nodule but useful for the lymph nodes.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chest CT scan done with or without injection?
It depends on the question asked. Without injection, it is well suited to the lungs and the bronchi: nodules, emphysema, fibrosis. With injection, it also shows the mediastinum, the lymph nodes and the blood vessels. The radiologist chooses the protocol based on the prescription and your previous exams.
Can this CT scan be used to screen for lung cancer?
For some smokers or former smokers, a low-dose CT scan may be discussed with the doctor. It is not a routine exam: it does not detect all lesions and often shows small harmless nodules that need monitoring. The decision is made case by case with your doctor.
A nodule was seen on my CT scan: is it serious?
Small lung nodules are common and most often benign, for example old scars. Depending on their size and appearance, a follow-up CT scan may be offered. A nodule that has been stable for a long time is rather reassuring. Your doctor interprets the result according to your situation.
Why do I have to hold my breath?
The chest moves with each breath. Holding your breath for a few seconds, with your lungs full, makes the images sharp. If you are short of breath, tell the team. The X-ray dose is limited and adapted to the exam; it can be reduced for some nodule follow-ups.
Chest CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a chest CT scan depends on the area (chest only, or neck and chest) and on the iodinated contrast injection, which is unnecessary for a nodule but useful for the lymph nodes. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.