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We’ll explain why your doctor may order an abdominal CT scan, how to prepare for the procedure, and possible risks and complications you should be aware of.
GENERAL INDICATIONS FOR CONTRAST USE IN ABDOMINOPELVIC CT. The decision to use contrast in abdominopelvic CT depends on the diagnosis suspected.
Types of Contrast With Abdominal CT Scans. Healthcare providers use different types of contrast in abdominal CT scans: Intravenous (IV) contrast: IV contrast is helpful with identifying solid abdominal organs, like the pancreas, as well as identifying the blood vessels.
The most common type of CT scan with contrast is the double contrast study that will require you to drink a contrast media before your exam begins in addition to the IV contrast. The more contrast you are able to drink, the better the images are for the radiologist to visualize your digestive tract.
Acute cholecystitis, pancreatic abscess, pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or blockage of bile ducts can be diagnosed through abdominal CT scans. Cholecystitis refers to the inflammation of the gallbladder, whereas pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas.
In general, oral contrast is used for most abdominal and pelvic CT scans unless there is no suspicion of bowel pathology (e.g., noncontrast CT to detect kidney stones) or when administration...
Contrast material. A special dye called contrast material is needed for some CT scans. The dye appears bright on images. So it makes certain areas of the body that are being scanned show up better. This can help make blood vessels, intestines or other structures easier to see. Contrast material might be given: By mouth.
For a CT scan with contrast, your provider will place an IV (intravenous line) and inject a contrast (or dye) into your vein. They may also give you a substance to drink (like a barium swallow ) to highlight your intestines.
There are many indications for a CT of your abdomen and pelvis. Your doctor may ask for this test when looking for kidney stones, other causes of abdominal pain or nausea / vomiting (including appendicitis and diverticulitis), and assessing a wide variety of cancers involving organs in your abdomen or pelvis.
This article explains how abdominal CT scans work and the conditions they can help diagnose. It also outlines what preparations to make before having a CT scan and what to expect during...