Imaging and scans
Here you will learn about the different types of scans and machines you may encounter, what they do and how to prepare for them.
3 min read
Looking at:
The health of the organs inside your body.
Scleroderma can affect some of your internal organs, like your lungs. The scans tell your doctor whether any of your internal organs have been affected.1-4
What to expect:
There are lots of different scans and machines. These include:
Ultrasound
A sensor is placed on your skin so that your doctor/nurse can see, by using sound waves, how things inside your body look and move.
X-ray
Creates a picture of your lungs to check their general health. It can help to wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal zips or buttons to avoid affecting the accuracy of the x-ray.
CT and HRCT scan
CT is a type of x-ray that provides more detailed imaging than normal x-rays are capable of providing. HRCT is a high-resolution x-ray that can provide more detailed images of the lungs. During the scans, you will lie on your back on a flat bed that passes into the scanner.
MRI scan
Uses a magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside your body. You will lie on a table that slides inside a machine. During the scan you must stay still.
None of the scans or images will hurt but some can take a few hours. Be prepared for some waiting around—take a good book, listen to some music or download your favourite podcast to help pass the time.
Understanding your results:
The results depend on the test used. Your doctor may use the images to compare against any images taken previously.
Did you know?
The CT scan is very commonly used to monitor the health of the lungs in people with scleroderma.
High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
HRCT is the main tool used to diagnose and confirm suspected interstitial lung disease (ILD).5 This is why your doctor or nurse may request for a chest HRCT scan if they suspect you have lung problems.
Looking at:
Multiple images of the inside of your chest to get a more detailed image of your lungs.
What to expect:
You will be placed on a flat table that moves in and out of the scanner. You will be positioned so that your chest is in the scanner. During the scan, you will be asked to remain as still as possible. The scan will last for approximately 15–30 minutes.
The doctor and technician will monitor the scan from a separate room.
Understanding your results:
The scan is used to provide your doctor a sharper and more detailed picture of your lungs than a standard chest X-ray.
If specific patterns are identified in your lungs, they could indicate ILD.
You may also like to read:
Symptoms of scleroderma
Treatment
Monitoring scleroderma
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Radiological Society of North America Inc. Computed tomography. Available: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/ctScan [Accessed December 2021].
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Radiological Society of North America Inc. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Available: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/mri [Accessed December 2021].
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Radiological Society of North America Inc. Ultrasound. Available: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/ultrasound [Accessed December 2021].
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Radiological Society of North America Inc. X-ray (Radiography). Available: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/es/x-ray [Accessed December 2021].
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Hoffmann-Vold AM, et al. The identification and management of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: evidence-based European consensus statements. Lancet Rheumatol. 2020;2(2);71–83.
"Try and get as much information as you can from your doctor. He or she is the expert. Take notes and don't be afraid to ask."
– Mike