CT Scan With Contrast Abdomen and Pelvis: Uses and Preparation

Introduction:

A computed tomography (CT) scan puts together a series of X-ray images taken from various angles around the body and uses computer image processing to produce cross-sectional images (slices) of bones, blood vessels, and other internal organs inside the body. A CT scan image provides more detailed information than a simple X-ray. CT scans have many uses, but they are particularly well-suited for quickly examining people with possible internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma. CT scans view almost any part of the body and are used to diagnose a disease, view an injury, and plan a surgical procedure.

What Is a CT Scan Using Contrast?

Some CT scans require special dyes called contrast agents to enhance the area of ​​the body being scanned. The contrast agent blocks the X-rays and appears white or opaque in the image, helping to highlight all the blood vessels and other structures. Contrast agents may be given by:

• By Mouth - When scanning the esophagus or stomach, swallowing liquids containing contrast media may be necessary. This drink can have an unpleasant taste.

• Injection - A contrast agent can be injected through a vein in the arm to make the gallbladder, urinary tract, liver, or blood vessels more prominent in the image. The patient may have a burning or metallic taste in their mouth during the injection.

• By Rectal Opening - A contrast agent may be inserted into the rectum to make the bowel more visible. One may feel bloated or uncomfortable during this procedure.

Why Is the Abdominal and Pelvis CT Performed?

Abdominal CT scans take detailed pictures of the structures of the abdomen very quickly.

This test can be used to check the following:

• Reason for hematuria (blood in the urine).

• Reason for abdominal pain and swelling.

• Reason for abnormal blood test results, such as liver or kidney problems.

• Hernia (bulging of internal organ tissue through the muscle wall containing it).

• Reason for fever.

• Masses and tumors, including cancer.

• Infection or injury in the abdomen or pelvis.

• Kidney stone.

• Appendicitis (inflammation of an organ called the appendix).

What Is the Preparation for Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scan With Contrast?

Before the tests, the doctor puts a special dye called a contrast agent into the body. Contrast helps doctors better see certain areas on the scan. Contrast can be managed in several ways. Listed below are some precautions that need to be taken:

• The contrast agent can be injected through a vein (IV) in the hand or forearm. If doctors are using a contrast medium, the patient may be asked to refrain from eating and drinking for 4 to 6 hours before the examination.

• The patient may need to drink contrast media before the examination. When to drink depends on the type of test being performed. Contrasts taste like chalk, but some are flavored to make them taste a little better.

• Inform the doctor if allergic to the contrast agent. The patient may need to take medication before the test to safely consume this substance.

• Before receiving the contrast media, the patient should tell the doctor if they are taking the diabetes drug Metformin. Patients taking Metformin may need to stop taking it for sometime before the test.

• If the patient has kidney problems, they should talk to their doctor. IV contrast agents may worsen renal function.

• Excessive weight can damage the scanner. If the patient weighs over 300 lbs (135 kg), determine if the CT machine has a weight limit.

• During the scan, the patient must remove precious metals and wear a hospital gown.

What Is the Procedure for Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scans?

The procedure listed below is usually performed in an abdominal and pelvic CT scan using a contrast medium:

• The patient will be asked to report 30 minutes before the procedure begins.

• The contrast media will be given to the patient before the test starts.

• The patient will be asked to lie down on a narrow table that will slide into the CT scanner. Most of the time, patients will be on their backs and raise their arms above their heads.

• Once inside the scanner, the X-ray beam of the machine rotates around the patient. Modern spiral scanners can run inspections without interruption.

• A computer creates separate images of the abdomen. These are called slices. These images can be saved, viewed on a monitor, printed on film, or saved to a floppy disk. By stacking slices, a three-dimensional model of the abdomen can be created.

• One must remain still during the test, as movement blurs the image. Patients may need to hold their breath for some time or remain still. Abdominal CT is often done along with pelvic CT.

• Scanning takes less than 30 minutes.

What Does the CT Scan With Contrast Will Feel Like?

Lying on a hard table can cause a little discomfort. Intravenous (IV) administration of contrast may induce the following:

• Slight burning.

• Metallic taste in the mouth.

• Warm body flush.

• Nausea.

These feelings are normal and go away within seconds.

What Do Abnormal Results of Abdominal and Pelvis CT Mean?

The abnormal results of a CT scan with contrast media may reveal the following conditions:

• The abdominal CT scan with contrast media may show some cancers, like colon and ovarian cancer.

• The abdominal CT scan may show issues with the pancreas, gallbladder, or liver to look for conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, pancreatitis, and blockage of bile ducts.

• The abdominal CT scan may reveal the following kidney problems blockage of the kidneys, hydronephrosis (kidney swelling from the backflow of urine), and kidney infection.

What Are the Risks Involved in Abdominal and Pelvis CT With Contrast?

Risks of CT scans include the following:

• Radiation Exposure - A CT scan exposes the patient to more radiation than regular X-rays. Having multiple X-rays or CT scans over a long period may increase a person’s risk of getting cancer. However, the risk of a single scan is small. Most modern scanners can reduce radiation exposure. Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of testing to properly diagnose the medical problem. Some people are allergic to contrast agents. Inform the doctor immediately in case of any past allergic reaction to injected contrast media.

• Contrast Agent-Induced Renal Dysfunction - Contrast agents most commonly administered intravenously contain iodine. Patients with an iodine allergy may experience nausea and vomiting, sneezing, itching, and hives when administering these types of contrast agents. Antihistamines such as Chlorpheniramine or steroids may be given to reduce the load on the kidneys and help remove IV dyes from the body. If a person has kidney disease or diabetes, they may need additional fluids to flush the iodine out of their body after the test.

• Allergy to Contrast Media - In rare cases, dyes can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. If a patient has trouble breathing during the test, they should immediately inform the scanner operator. The scanner is equipped with an intercom and speaker so the operator can always hear the patient.

Conclusion:

Abdominal and pelvic CT is a radiological imaging test. This test uses X-rays to generate cross-sectional images of the abdomen and other internal organs in the thorax. CT stands for computed tomography. Sometimes it requires contrast media to view the image of the internal organs better. Though the benefits of using the contrast media outweighs the risk, precautions should still be taken while undergoing this test to obtain a successful diagnosis.