When a child presents with abdominal pain, persistent headache or injury, pneumonia, infection or inflammation or if a tumor or cancer is suspected, CT is often the first modality used for diagnosis since it can image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time. CT is especially helpful in an emergency case, as it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.

CT studies are also performed to evaluate blood vessels serving the brain, face or neck, along with the spinal cord and bones in the spinal column. It is extremely helpful in ruling out serious complications, such as bleeding in the brain or other brain damage, show blood vessel or lung damage, and can uncover birth defects. 

 

The newer multi-slice units, as used at Presbyterian and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center hospital and outpatient locations, give extremely detailed pictures of the heart and large blood vessels in children and infants, making it an invaluable tool for viewing within the chest. CT is also the modality of choice for diagnosing diseases or injury to the abdomen, including the liver, kidney, spleen and appendix. 

 

CT pelvic studies can help detect cysts or tumors of the ovary, bladder abnormalities, stones in the urinary tract and disease of the pelvic bones.