A 64 Computed Tomography (CT) scan refers to the newest generation in CT scan technology, and is also known as "64-slice CT." The 64 "slices" refer to the number of detectors that are present on a CT scanner. While original computed tomography scanners used only one detector to pick up information, Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) uses multiple detecors to create images of the body. This technology increases both "spatial" and "temporal" resolution, which means that we can create more detailed images in a shorter amount of time.

One of the major advances with 64 slice CT scanning has been vast improvements in cardiac heart scans. The heart is difficult to visualize because it remains in movement, constantly changing in shape and size as the the heart beats. In addition, the structures of interest (coronary arteries) are small structures that have a width measured in millimeters. With new generation 64 slice CT heart scans, cardiologists and radiologists can evaluate the coronary arteries and determine if there is atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart. While there is still controversy regarding the utility of 64 CT heart scans as a screening procedure, heart scans provide useful information that may ultimately prevent a heart attack.

How does 64-Slice CT work?

During a computed tomography (CT) scan, the scanner rotates around the patient and takes a large number of x-ray images. These x-ray images are then sent to a computer for processing. Because the x-ray images are taken from a variety of angles, the computer is able to put them together and create a 3-dimensional image of the patient. Unlike a traditional "x-ray," which is taken in only 2-dimensions, this allows the physician to look at the arteries and other organs in the body from essentially any direction, which is extremely valuable in the diagnosis of disease.