Diagnosis & Imaging
Computed tomography (CT)
CT is an imaging method using X-rays to produce detailed pictures, especially useful for showing the bony skull defect.
In short: Computed tomography (CT)
- It shows the bony defect well, aiding surgical planning.
- It uses X-rays (radiation).
- It complements MRI, which shows soft tissue.
- 3D reconstruction can map the defect for surgery.
What it is
It is an imaging method that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. It is particularly good at showing bone.
Understanding Computed tomography (CT)
CT shows the bony skull defect well, which is valuable for planning the reconstruction (cranioplasty) part of surgery. It uses X-rays (a form of radiation), so its use in children is weighed carefully and reserved for when the bony detail it provides is needed. CT complements MRI, which shows soft tissue and the brain; together they give surgeons a full map of both bone and soft tissue, often enhanced by 3D reconstruction.
Why it matters
Understanding CT helps families see why it may be used to map the bony defect for surgery, and why it is balanced against MRI, which avoids radiation and shows the brain.
Common questions
What is CT good for?
Showing bone and the bony defect.
Does it use radiation?
Yes — X-rays.
How does it differ from MRI?
CT shows bone; MRI shows soft tissue and the brain.
Bottom line
CT uses X-rays to image bone well and helps plan the reconstruction part of encephalocele surgery.
Browse all 265 Encephalocele definitions
Read the Encephalocele patient guides
Not sure which page you need? Put words to it with the symptom navigator