Cardiac Imaging: Dual Source Computed Tomography (CT)
Improving Pediatric Imaging with Dual Source CT
Lee Health offers compassionate care and experience to ensure your child is treated with the most advanced and effective treatments available. We understand the challenges that pediatric cardiac conditions present, and are here to help your child and family through continued innovation.
Understanding Dual Source CTs
A dual-source CT scan is a special kind of "computed tomography" that uses not just one, but two x-ray sources from different angles. This makes the scan super fast, so you get less radiation exposure, and the images turn out really clear. With this type of scan, doctors can pinpoint the exact spot for surgery, find tumors, and check out blood vessels.
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Pediatric Cardiology
Care for your child's heart, in a warm, family-friendly setting. Lee Health's hub for pediatric cardiology in SWFL.
How to prepare your child for a Dual Source CT Scan
You can take these steps to prepare your child before their dual source CT scan:
- Talk to your child about the CT machine, the sounds, and what to expect.
- Eat normally and take normal medicine if necessary
- Parents should explain the test to older children so they understand to remain still during the test.
- Children must remove any jewelry or metal before the test.
- We advise parents to give younger children a toy to hold or have them watch videos to help them stay calm. Our staff can also help!
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Pediatric Cardiology - Golisano Children’s Health Center
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Pediatric Cardiology - HealthPark Commons
Common Conditions Diagnosed with a Dual Source CT Scan
While Dual Source CT Scan technology can be used for a variety of cardiac conditions, below are some of the more common conditions we diagnose using this technology:
- Coronary anomalies
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Pulmonary atresia
- Single ventricle/Fontan patients
What do abnormal results from a dual source CT mean?
After your child's CT scan is done, a pediatric cardiologist and pediatric radiologist will look at the results and interpret them. It's essential for parents to know that sometimes there might be small issues that are not serious, but in some cases, the results could indicate heart disease.
Your child's primary care doctor, along with the pediatric cardiologist, will work together to come up with the best treatment plan if needed. They will keep everyone informed and make sure everyone is on the same page so you can rest assured that your child's health is in good hands!