[Whole body computer tomography: principle-purpose - requirements (author's transl)].

Abstract

After explaining the principle of whole body computer tomography the field of indication is outlined with reference to some of our own experiences. Up to now, it has proved its value in the following indications: preoperative diagnosis, supplementing pulmonary radiodiagnosis, substitution of invasive diagnostic procedures in mediastinal diseases, clarification of diseases of the abdominal cavity, of space-occupying processes in the kidney, in the true pelvis, and detection of retroperitoneal processes. The financial expenditure for this novel method of investigation is described according to a formula. The cost of given or estimated numerical values show the importance of adequate usage. The added costs for a second personnel shift for an examination rate of more than 7 patients a day are trivial because of the high basic expenditure.