A chest tomogram is a picture of the chest area created by moving the x-ray machine in one direction while moving the recording film the other way. This method blurs structures in front of and behind the area of the chest being studied. This allows for a more detailed view of a specific level within the chest cavity.

Laminography; Planigraphy; Stratigraphy; Tomogram - chest

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table. You should not move during the test, as this will affect the image quality.

Tell the health care provider if you are pregnant. You must wear a hospital gown and remove all jewelry.

There is generally no discomfort associated with tomography.

A chest tomogram can show certain problems with the airways or lungs, including tumors.

Images

Normal external abdomen

Next Section

Chest tomogram Results

Review Date: 08/13/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)