HRCT
Medical abbreviation · Medical Imaging
| Stands for | High-resolution computed tomography |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HRCT stands for High-resolution computed tomography, a medical imaging abbreviation.
Thin-section CT of the lungs, using slices of about 1 mm or less and a sharp reconstruction algorithm, to evaluate interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis and emphysema. Recognizable patterns such as usual interstitial pneumonia can establish pulmonary fibrosis without a biopsy.
Example: HRCT: basal subpleural honeycombing with traction bronchiectasis, a UIP pattern.
Usage notes
Usually performed without contrast and often with prone and expiratory images, which separate gravity-dependent lung collapse from true disease and reveal air trapping. Modern volumetric scanners produce HRCT-quality images within routine chest CT. Findings are described with Fleischner Society terminology.
Related abbreviations
More medical imaging abbreviations
- DXA – Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- FDG – Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18)
- FLAIR – Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery
- Fluoro – Fluoroscopy
- fMRI – Functional magnetic resonance imaging
- GBCA – Gadolinium-based contrast agent
- HSG – Hysterosalpingogram
- HU – Hounsfield unit
- IVP – Intravenous pyelogram
- Lat – Lateral
- LDCT – Low-dose computed tomography
- LI-RADS – Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.