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computed tomography

computed tomography

1 3.6
A medical scan using X-rays and a computer to make pictures of the body's inside
  • noun
  • /kəmˈpjuːtɪd tɒməˈɡræfi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tomografía computarizada
  • The doctor ordered a computed tomography scan to get a detailed view of the patient's lungs.
  • computed tomography (CT)
  • computed tomography scan
  • computed tomography imaging

Examples

  • The best initial investigation in patients with thunderclap headache is emergency computed tomography.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Every patient is being studied with computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones.

    Academic text (1998)
  • PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): Figure 1: Computed tomography scan of brain in patient 5.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Findings on computed tomography (CT) of the head obtained at that time were normal.

    Academic text (2008)
  • During the study period, new diagnostic tools like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were introduced.

    Academic text (2012)
  • All patients had negative staging with computed tomography, except one patient who declined staging.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography has had a significant impact on the diagnostic workup.

    Academic text (1995)
  • A metastatic work-up, including computed tomography of the chest and liver function studies, was negative.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Figure 4: Comparative computed tomography scan images of a patient with a right orbital floor fracture.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Recently, high-resolution thin-section computed tomography imaging of the temporal bones has provided a better view of the otic capsule.

    Academic text (1995)

Synonyms

CAT
vscomputed tomography
  • Specialized
189 4.6

A scan that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body

is the same method but does not emphasize the single axis detail
CT
vscomputed tomography
  • Specialized
52 3.7

A medical scan that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the inside of the body

is the more formal full name rather than the short initialism
tomography
vscomputed tomography
  • Specialized
3 6.7

A way of making detailed pictures of the inside of the body

is the specific method using computer-processed X-rays for cross-sections
computerized tomography
vscomputed tomography
  • US
1 4.1

A medical scan using X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the inside of the body

is the identical technique but differs only in wording or spelling
computed axial tomography
vscomputed tomography
  • Specialized
4.3

A medical scan that uses X-rays and a computer to make thin pictures of the inside of the body

is the general term that does not stress the single axis approach
computerized axial tomography
vscomputed tomography
  • Specialized
4.8

A scan that uses X rays and a computer to make thin pictures of the inside of the body

is the broader term that omits emphasis on the axial, single axis form

How Detailed

magnetic resonance imaging
  • Specialized
3 3.7
computed tomography
  • Specialized
1 3.6
radiography
  • Specialized
1 5.8
X-ray
  • Specialized
127 3.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

compute + tomography

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'computed' means processed or calculated by a computer and 'tomography' denotes cross-sectional imaging, so together they indicate imaging produced by computer-processed measurements. This logic is cross-linguistically common (e.g. tomografía computarizada) and a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Computed tomography combines computed (made by a computer) and tomography (a word that means making pictures of thin 'slices' of something), so it refers to computer-made images that show thin 'slices' through the body to see inside.