[Extension of thoracal diagnostics through computer tomography (author's transl)].

The utilization of transverse layers in computer tomography opens up a new level of examination for localization of pathologic processes in the thorax and their spread. The good resolution of roentgen absorption differences in the soft parts enables the use of computer tomography in the diagnosis of pericardial effusions and for further differentiation of known mediastinal growing and displacing processes. This method is also suitable for the identification of aneurysms, since it is not invasive and places hardly any strain on the patient. Finally, computer tomography can also be used for radiotherapy and operation planning, as well as in target biopsy on account of the true-to-scale and reproducible image of the body cross-sections.