CT scan (MSCT) in Niš

MSCT stands for multislice computed tomography. In everyday speech it is called a CT scan, or simply a scan. The scanner uses X-rays and a computer. A tube that produces X-rays rotates around the body, and the computer uses the data it collects to create thin cross-sectional images of the body, similar to slices.

These images can also be used to build three-dimensional views of bones, organs and blood vessels. This is why a CT scan gives a more detailed picture than a standard X-ray. A specialist radiologist reviews the images and writes the report.

A doctor refers you for an MSCT scan when they need a detailed image of a particular part of the body. The most common reasons are:

• assessment after an injury to the head, spine, bones or joints
• examination of the lungs and other organs in the chest
• examination of the abdominal and pelvic organs, the kidneys and the urinary tract
• imaging of the blood vessels (CT angiography) of the head and neck, lungs, aorta, arms and legs
• examination of the sinuses, eye sockets (orbits) and temporal bones
• assessing how far the disease has spread and monitoring the course of treatment in patients with cancer
• planning surgery and follow-up afterwards

Whether a CT scan is the right choice, or whether an ultrasound, X-ray or MRI scan would be better, is assessed by the doctor, depending on the clinical examination, test results and any previous scans.

This page describes booked scans. Urgent symptoms, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing or a head injury with loss of consciousness, are dealt with by the emergency ambulance service. In that situation, call 194.

According to the radiology price list, the following MSCT scans are carried out at Maja Radiology:

• MSCT of the head (head CT scan), eye sockets (orbits), sinuses (paranasal sinuses) and the bones at the side of the skull (temporal bones)
• MSCT of the neck
• MSCT of the chest and lungs
• MSCT of the abdomen and pelvis
• MSCT of the kidneys and urinary tract, and MSCT urography
• MSCT of the spine: a single segment or the lumbosacral spine (lower back)
• MSCT of the joints: knee, shoulder or another joint
• MSCT angiography (CT angiography) of the blood vessels of the head and neck, the pulmonary arteries, the aorta, the abdominal aorta and the blood vessels of the arms and legs
• oncology assessment of how far the disease has spread, by scanning several regions of the body (in the price list: MSCT oncology staging)
• scanning several regions of the body in a single examination after serious injuries, usually the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis (in the price list: PAN MSCT)

Some scans are done without contrast and some with contrast. CT angiography and intravenous urography are always done with contrast injected into a vein, so the preparation for a contrast scan applies to them. For other scans, the radiologist sets the protocol based on the referral and the clinical question from the doctor who is sending you for the scan.

Contrast is an iodine-based liquid that is injected into a vein, usually in the arm. It shows blood vessels and organs more clearly. For some abdominal scans, depending on the protocol, you drink a contrast liquid before the scan.

When the contrast is injected, it is common to feel warmth through the body, a metallic taste in the mouth or a feeling as if you need to pass urine. These sensations are expected and usually pass within a minute or two. Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions to contrast are rare and usually mild. When they do happen, it is usually soon after the injection, so patients normally stay under observation for a short time after the scan. A mild rash or itching sometimes appears a few hours or days later.

Before a scan with contrast, a blood creatinine result is usually required. It is used to estimate how well your kidneys are working (eGFR), because contrast leaves the body through the kidneys. When you book, tell us whether you have had a reaction to contrast before, whether you have allergies or asthma, kidney disease, thyroid disease or diabetes, and which medicines you take regularly. Also tell us if you are due to have radioactive iodine treatment or a radioactive iodine thyroid scan, because iodine-based contrast can affect that scan or treatment. Based on this, the doctor decides on your preparation.

On the day of the scan, you report to the radiology reception in the building at Vizantijski bulevar 39 in Niš. Before a scan with contrast, you usually fill in a questionnaire and sign a consent form, and a thin plastic cannula is placed in a vein in your arm.

In the scanning room, you lie on a table, usually on your back. The table moves slowly through the wide ring of the scanner. The ring is short and open, so it usually feels less enclosed than the longer tunnel of an MRI scanner. The radiographer monitors the scan from the next room and gives you instructions. Keep still during the scan, and for chest and abdominal scans, hold your breath briefly when you are asked to.

The scan itself usually takes a few minutes. You will be there longer overall if contrast is given, because you usually stay under observation for a short time after the scan. You will be given your arrival time and the expected length of your appointment when you book.

A CT scan uses X-rays, while MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves, without ionising radiation. A CT scan is a shorter examination and is most often used for the lungs, bones, blood vessels, abdominal organs and assessment after injuries. MRI shows soft tissues in more detail, such as the brain, spinal cord, cartilage and ligaments.

A pacemaker, metal prostheses, screws and plates are usually not a problem for a CT scan. Metal can make the image less clear in the part of the body where it is located, so when you book, tell us what implants or devices you have. Which method you need is decided by the referring doctor, in consultation with the radiologist if needed.

A CT scan uses ionising radiation. The dose depends on the part of the body being scanned and on the protocol, and it is higher than for a standard X-ray. The risk from a single scan is small, but it adds up with the number of scans. This is why a scan is done when the doctor judges that the benefit of the result outweighs the possible risk. The dose is adjusted so that it is no higher than needed for a clear image. Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, so the need for a CT scan is assessed particularly carefully in children.

If you are pregnant or could be pregnant, say so when you book and again before the scan. Repeat scans within a short period are agreed with the doctor, who reviews your previous scans. This is why it is useful to bring your previous reports and scans to the appointment.

A specialist radiologist reviews the images and writes the report. You take the report and the images to the doctor who recommended the scan, because they interpret the report together with your clinical examination and other test results. When you book, you will be told how long the report will take and how to collect the images.

The price depends on the region being scanned and on whether contrast is needed. The contrast fee and the preparation for a scan with contrast are listed as separate items in the radiology price list. Check what is included in the price of your scan when you book. Prices of MSCT scans by region are in the table on this page, and all items are in the radiology price list.