Chest CT, with and without contrast

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is an advanced type of x-ray that creates detailed pictures of structures inside the body. A contrast medium is sometimes injected to enhance the images. This imaging modality is often preferred for obtaining detailed images of bone anatomy and other tissues visible on x-ray, such as escaped blood in hemorrhaged areas. The most common indications for a chest CT include evaluation of lung masses, mediastinal pathology, cardiac and pericardial anomalies, or evaluation after any chest trauma.