CT SCAN OF LOWER ABDOMEN (INCLUDING PELVIS) WITH CONTRAST

CT Angiography of the lower abdomen and pelvis is a sophisticated imaging evaluation to view abdominal and pelvic structures in detail. The contrast material improves the appreciation of blood vessels, soft tissues, and other structures leading to better diagnosis.  

What is CT Lower Abdomen (Including Pelvis) With Contrast? 

CT scan allows the visualization of the layered structures of the lower abdomen and pelvis using X-rays and computer technology in form of cross sectional pictures. The contrast material, usually of the iodine type, is injected into the vein so that the blood vessels and soft tissues are better visualized thereby giving an accurate diagnosis.

• Size, morphology, and enhancement patterns of organs. 
• Vascular pathologies and blood supply disorders. 
• Masses, tumours, cysts, or abscesses. 
• Changes of an inflammatory or infectious nature. 
• Fractures, hernias, or other obstructions. 

• Unexplained abdominal inflammation alongside weight loss 
• Suspicion of tumours or metastasis spread 
• Abnormalities in blood vessels like aneurisms 
• Abscesses or infection 
• Evaluation post-surgical procedures 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Evaluation of lower abdomen with pelvis gives in-depth visualization of soft tissues and blood vessels 
• Increased possibility of early detection of pathologies 
• Critical to formulating a precise diagnosis and treatment strategy 
• Rapid and non invasive 

Conditions Diagnosed with CT Lower Abdomen (Including Pelvis) With Contrast

• Oncology – Tumours and cancers 
• Aneurisms and other vascular diseases 
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with appendicitis 
• Infectious disease (ID) abscess 
• Herniation and intestinal blockage 

• Do not consume any food or drink for 4-6 hours prior to the scan 
• Notify your physician of any known allergies, especially to contrast dyes, or has issues with kidney function 
• Drink fluids unrestricted except if stated otherwise 
• Remove all metallic attires before the scan 

Pre-requisites 

• Referral from a physician 
• Fresh kidney function tests if deemed necessary (evaluating the safety of using contrast material) 

Best Time to Take CT Lower Abdomen (Including Pelvis) With Contrast 

• According to the clinical priority and as per the schedule. 
• If situation necessitates, could be performed as a last resort 

Eligibility 

• Generally, not harmful for most patients  
• Not advisable for patients with severe kidney disorders or iodine sensitivity 

Procedure for Taking a CT Lower Abdomen (Including Pelvis) With Contrast 

• The patient is positioned on the CT table in a supine position  
• To aid the imaging process, IV contrast dye is administered  
• A rotating X-ray moves around the torso, taking multiple pictures  
• Accomplished within a quarter of an hour to half an hour  
• A radiologist evaluates the findings and forwards them to the physician who requested them 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• State your pregnancy status along with any history of kidney disease to the radiologist  
• Explain any allergies known towards iodine-based contrast mediums.  
• Remember to avoid any movement magnet during the scan to minimize blur caused by rapid movement.