Electron beam computed tomography

Electron Beam Computed Tomography

Electron Beam Computed Tomography (EBCT), also known as Ultrafast CT, is a type of medical imaging technology that uses a high-speed electron beam to capture images of the heart. Pronounced as /ɪˈlɛk.trɒn biːm kəmˈpjuː.tɪd təˈmɒɡ.rə.fi/, the term originates from the words 'electron', 'beam', 'computed' and 'tomography' which refer to a type of particle, a stream of particles, a method of processing numerical data, and a method of producing images of internal body structures respectively.

History

The development of EBCT began in the late 1970s, with the first commercial systems appearing in the 1980s. The technology was developed to overcome the limitations of traditional CT scanners, which were unable to capture images of the heart without motion blur due to the organ's constant movement.

Procedure

During an EBCT scan, the patient lies on a table that moves through a circular machine. The machine emits a thin, fan-shaped beam of electrons that passes through the patient's body and is detected on the other side. The data collected is then computed to create cross-sectional images of the heart.

Applications

EBCT is primarily used to detect and measure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which can be an early indicator of coronary artery disease. It can also be used to evaluate the function of the heart and the pulmonary arteries.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of EBCT is its speed, which allows it to capture images of the heart without motion blur. However, it also has some disadvantages, including a higher radiation dose compared to other imaging techniques and a limited availability due to its high cost.

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Electron beam computed tomography