EBCT SCAN - 3D Heart & Lung Scanning

EBCT (Electron Beam Computerised Tomography) uses X-rays to create high quality images of the heart and coronary arteries.

EBCT scans are non-invasive & can generate a 3D image of the heart and lungs.

EBCT scanning is an excellent screening tool that can pick up early heart disease and lung cancer - even before symptoms are present.

Because scanning involves X-ray exposure, women who are pregnant or potentially pregnant should not undergo an EBCT scan.

EBCT Heart Scan

An EBCT heart scan can detect coronary calcium (atheroma), the first sign of narrowing in the heart arteries. By detecting narrowing of the coronary arteries early, lifestyle changes can be made and treatment given to help prevent heart disease.

Detecting coronary calcium by EBCT scanning is the most accurate method to detect early coronary artery disease (heart disease). Coronary calcium is more predictive of your risk of a heart attack than traditional risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, & diabetes.

Coronary artery calcification scanning with the electron beam CT (EBCT) scanner is a breakthrough test that affords the opportunity to determine very accurately and non-invasively whether or not coronary artery disease is present in asymptomatic individuals.

The coronary calcium score directly correlates with the risk of cardiac events. People with higher scores have greater atheromatous plaque burden and a higher risk for cardiac events regardless of whether symptoms are present.

The amount of calcium is usually expressed as an Agatston Score. A test is considered to be positive if calcification is detected within the coronary arteries.

For asymptomatic individuals:

*A calcium score of 0 indicates absence of detected calcium and an extremely low likelihood (<1%) of any coronary artery disease.
*Calcium score of 1-80: Small plaque - Low probablility of coronary artery disease.
*Calcium score of 81-400: Moderate plaque - Non-obstructive coronary heart disease likely, although obstructive disease possible.
*Calcium score of >400: Extensive plaque - High likelihood of at least one significant coronary stenosis.

EBCT Lung Scan

An EBCT scan of the lungs captures clear images that can be used to screen for lung cancer. These images can reveal nodules or tumours as small as 2mm in diameter.

EBCT lung cancer screening can detect the small nodules of lung cancer at an earlier and potentially more curable stage.

Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy, another procedure that can be carried out by EBCT scanning, can provide a rapid and non-intrusive detection method for colon cancer.

Total Body Scannning

Total body scans typically scan from the shoulders to the hips. A full body scan is designed to pick up early signs of cancer in the lungs, kidneys, liver and colon. It also includes heart scanning to detect early signs of heart disease.