CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
CT scans obtain multiple cross-sectional images of the body by using special X-rays and computer enhancement, creating an image many times more sensitive than from a simple X-ray. Here's how it works. The body is X-rayed from many angles, and the X-rays are then analyzed by a computer. The computer takes the images and creates a picture of the body, which can be looked at on a monitor or printed out as a photograph. The images are a composite "slice" of the body, usually the head, chest, or abdomen. The bones are also sometimes scanned. CT scans also are called CAT scans.

How is a CT done?
The child lies flat on a movable table that is guided into the center of the CT scanner. The scanner looks like an oversized doughnut. The child remains still while the X-rays are beamed into the body, then detected and fed into a computer. If the child is unable to hold still, sedatives are administered. Sometimes a dye or other contrast material is used to show the blood vessels.

How long will it take to get results?
Results are interpreted by radiologists and then reported to your physician, who will need to analyze and interpret them for you.

Echocardiography
This procedure uses a special device to detect the sound that is reflected from a beating heart. Sometimes it's called "diagnostic cardiac ultrasound" because it uses reflected sound waves to "look" directly at your child's heart. This test can show if your child has ailments such as congenital heart defects, fluid around the heart, valve disorders, or weakened heart muscles.

The device uses an "echo" of the heart ("cardio") to produce an image of a graph ("gram"). And you can actually see the heart in action as the images are projected on a monitor. The direction of blood flow into and out of the heart can be seen in different colors on the monitor.

How is an echocardiogram done?
The child lies on his back, tilted slightly to the side. A special jelly is applied to the skin on the area of the heart, and a wand (the transducer) is positioned over the heart. Sound waves are generated and reflected back to the transducer, and an image becomes visible on a monitor. Printouts are then made from the screen. There is no radiation, and the child experiences no discomfort.

How long will it take to get results?
Images are collected instantly but must be interpreted by a doctor, usually a cardiologist. Results will be reported to your physician, who will interpret them for you.