CT ABDOMEN AND PELVIS WITH CONTRAST

CT Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast Overview

A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is an advanced methodology that employs x-rays and an injected contrast fluid to derive stunningly detailed images of the organs in both the pelvis and abdomen. The scan monitors and diagnoses various ailments such as tumours, inflammation, injuries, and abdominal pain. When preparing for the test, patients must refrain from eating and drinking a few hours before and also take off metal items like glasses and jewellery.  

What is CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast? 

CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast is a special type of CT scan that integrates both x-rays and an injected contrast substance to garner images of the pelvis and abdominal regions. The dye, most often iodine-based, is injected through the arm to amplify the visibility of the blood vessels and organs located in the abdomen and pelvis. The x-rays will then capture the organs and sophisticated computer technology will combine them into exquisite three-dimensional cross-sectioned images. 

Types of Contrast Enhanced CT Abdomen and Pelvis Scans 

There are several types of CT scans for the abdomen and pelvis such as:  

• Non-contrast CT scan-uses x-rays alone to capture the images of abdominal and pelvic organs.  
• Iodine contrast CT scan- uses iodine contrast medium to define the blood vessels and organs. 
• Barium contrast CT scan- uses barium medium to view the gastrointestinal tract. 

List of Parameters for in the CT with Contrast of the Abdomen and Pelvis:

While conducting the scan, the physician considers the following factors:  

• The dimensions and form of abdominal and pelvic organs 
• The calibre of blood vessels and whether they are open or closed 
• Any lesions, masses, or tumours that could be present 
• Potential inflammation or infection 
• Disease in the digestive and urinary systems 

Some changes might be necessary due to patient specific details like age, pre-existing health problems, or known allergies to the contrast material. 

Reasons for the CT scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast

CT Abdomen and pelvis with contrast is done for diagnosis or follow up of various conditions like: 

• Abdominal pain or tenderness. 
• Appendicitis or diverticulitis. 
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 
• Abdominal or pelvic infections like abscesses or peritonitis. 
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders like bowel obstruction or hernias. 
• Abdominal or pelvic cancers. 

When and Who Should Get a CT scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast? 

Patients with the following conditions may be prescribed a CT Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast scan:  

Severe abdominal pain or tenderness towards the abdomen area 

Abdominal injuries or traumas of the body 

Signs of appendicitis, diverticulitis, or inflammation of the intestines 

Abnormal results from a physical checkup, for instance, a mass that can be touched 

Having cancer or suspected cancer in the abdomen and pelvis region 

Intra-abdominal or intra-pelvic inflammatory conditions like abscesses or peritonitis 

Patients with history of pelvic or abdominal malignancy or patients who have had recent surgeries to the abdomen or pelvis may need to follow these scans as well. 

Benefits of the Test

Some of the advantages of a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast are: 

• Clear pictures of the organs in the abdomen and pelvis. 
• The scan is done in a short duration and is painless. 
• Broad diagnosis capability. 
• Helpful in evaluation of treatment and detection of recurrence. 

Illnesses Diagnosed through CT Abdominal and Pelvic Scan with Contrast

The patients found these conditions commonly with a CT Abdomen and Pelvis scan with contrast: 

• Appendicitis. 
• Diverticulitis. 
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 
• Abdominal or pelvic cancers like colon, ovarian, and pancreatic carcinoma. 
• Abdominal or pelvis infections like abscesses or peritonitis. 
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders like bowel obstruction or hernias. 

Preparing For the CT scan of Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast

To prepare for the test, patients should:  

• Wear easy-fitting clothing. 
• Take off any metal items like glasses or jewellery. 
• Refrain from eating and drinking 4-6 hours prior to the scan. 
• Tell the technologist about any known medical conditions or allergies. 

Pre-Requisites:  

Patients may need to: 

• Agree and sign an informed consent policy. 
• Complete a medical history form and list current medications. 
• Have a blood test or other diagnostic workup done prior to the CT scan. 

Best Time to Schedule CT Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast: 

Patients can schedule the test anytime, but it is advisable to schedule in the morning in case there are follow-up appointments or other tests that need to be done. 

Eligibility: This test is recommended for patients who: 

• Are 18 years and above. 
• Can lie still for the duration of the procedure. 
• Have no contraindications to the use of the contrast agent. 

Procedure of CT Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast: 

The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes and follows these steps: 

1. Prepare the patient: The patient is then required to put on a hospital gown and take off all the metal. 
2. Administer injection of contrast media: A contrast agent will be injected into the patient's arm through a vein. 
3. CT scan: The patient lies on their back on a table that moves into the CT Scanner. 
4. Image Acquisition: The CT Scanner scans the abdomen and pelvis. 
5. Reconstruction: The images are put back together as detailed slices of the body. 

Caution Before Taking the Test: 

The patient must notify the technologist about:  

• Any allergy or sensitivity to the CT contrast material.  
• Any medical history, including renal failure or thyroid disease.  
• Current medications, if any.