Computed Tomography (CT) is a common method of choice in the diagnosis of thoracic diseases. Since CT operates on the principle of ionizing radiation and frequently involves the use of contrast agents, it is crucial to standardize CT protocols to reduce the need for repeat imaging and, consequently, minimize patient exposure to radiation. The selection of a CT protocol primarily depends on the patient’s clinical indications and needs. The main classification of CT protocols distinguishes between the use of contrast agents (CECT) and non-contrast protocols (NCCT). The LDCT protocol is characterized by a low radiation dose and high sensitivity for detecting pulmonary nodules, making it suitable for lung cancer screening. Ultra-LDCT yields satisfactory results in diagnosing pneumonia and pneumothorax. Cine CT enables the assessment of cardiac function throughout the entire cardiac cycle, though it involves a high radiation dose and low temporal resolution. The use of contrast agents is particularly beneficial for differentiating adjacent non-vascular structures, more accurately identifying vascular anatomy, and improving the detection and characterization of pathological lesions. For diagnosing vascular pathologies, CTA is used, while CTPA is essential for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) with high sensitivity and specificity. TRO CT is useful in cases of acute chest pain to rule out emergencies. Dynamic changes in tissue perfusion are monitored with DCE-CT, which is also valuable in tumor diagnostics. In pediatric applications of CT for the chest, it is essential to emphasize the use of the lowest possible radiation dose and contrast agent to minimize risks.