computerized tomography

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computerized tomography (CT) (kŏm-pew-tĕ-ryzd) n. a form of X-ray examination in which the X-ray source and detector (CT scanner) rotate around the object to be scanned and the information can be used to produce cross-sectional images by computer (a CT scan). A higher radiation dose is received by the patient than with some conventional X-ray techniques, but the diagnostic information obtained is far greater and should outweigh the risk. CT scanning is particularly useful in the head, chest, and abdomen.

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