[The application of computed tomography in the diagnosis of thoracic diseases (author's transl)].

After representation of the physical principles and bases of computed tomography the trends of developments and also questions of radiation exposure were mentioned. The main indications of CT-application are the diagnostic of spaceclaiming or tumorous processes of the lung, mediastinum and pleura. Other indications are the diagnostic of aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, the differentiation of effusion and cysts of the pericardium and the control of lung infarctions. The CT makes the needle biopsy of thoracic processes more effective by better localizing. CT of the chest gets in future and already today a form place in the diagnostic of certain thoracic diseases.