TRIPHASE CT ABDOMEN

Triphase CT Abdomen Overview

Introduction 

Triphase CT (Computed Tomography) of the abdomen is a diagnostic imaging procedure that takes pictures of the abdominal organs during three stages of contrast enhancement: arterial, venous and delayed. It is important to consider the dynamics of blood flow and vascularity in tissues to evaluate tumours, vascular lesions, and organ pathologies effectively. 

What is a Triphase CT Abdomen? 

A Triphase CT Abdomen scan entails acquiring three sets of images at specific time intervals after an intravenous contrast injection:  

• Arterial Phase: Sharp focus on arteries and hyperaemic organs  
• Venous Phase: Enhanced visualization of veins and parenchymal organs.  
• Delayed Phase: Describes the retention or washout of contrast in lesions over time  

This powerful imaging technique can be used to assess the vascular architecture and structural information of abdominal organs. 

Parameters Considered During Triphase CT Abdomen

• Abnormal organs, size and shape.  
• Lesion enhancement and washout patterns.  
• Vascular architecture and anomalies.  
• Tumours, cysts, or calcifications.  
• Lymph node enlargement or metastasis.  

Reasons for Taking a Triphase CT Abdomen

• Liver haemangiomas and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) staging.  
• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma or cystic neoplasms.  
• Renal cell carcinoma or complex cysts. 
• Evaluate for abdominal trauma and haemorrhage.  
• Identify or monitor metastatic spread in cancer patients.  

When and Who Needs a Triphase CT Abdomen? 

Indications: 

• Tumour suspicion in the liver, pancreas, or kidney.  
• Evalution of adrenal gland masses.  
• Complications of liver cirrhosis or metastasis.  
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms or vascular anomalies.  
• Surgical planning or follow-up post intervention.  

Patient Demographics: 

• Active oncology patients.  
• Patients with chronic liver, kidney or pancreatic disorders.  
• Patients with abnormal investigations or signs suggestive of organ pathology.  

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Considered as having the highest degree of spatial resolution value with relative simultaneous of dynamic imaging of the abdominal organs.  
• Increases the confidence in making the diagnosis of tumours and vascular lesions.  
• Benign and malignant lesions are more precisely distinguished.  
• Helpful in determining the extent of surgical intervention or precise therapy.  

Illness Diagnosed with Triphase CT Abdomen

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).  
• Pancreatic cancer or pseudocysts.  
• Renal tumours and angiomyolipoma.  
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms or thrombosis.  
• Adrenal gland adenomas or metastatic lesions.  

Preparing for Triphase CT Abdomen

• Refrain from eating for 4-6 hours prior to the exam.  
• Inform the physician of any history of kidney problems or allergies.  
• Drink enough water unless otherwise directed.  
• Arrive early to undergo preparations prior to the scan.  

Pre-requisites 

• Must be referred by a healthcare practitioner.  
• Must have a renal function test (e.g. serum creatinine or eGFR).  

Best Time to Take Triphase CT Abdomen 

• To be scheduled based on clinical necessity and laboratory test findings.  
• Morning hours are advised in cases where fasting is required, and same-day results are needed.  

Eligibility 

• Generally accepted for healthy middle-aged adults who require a thorough assessment of the abdomen.  
• Not suggested for those who suffer from advanced iodine allergies or renal failure.  

Procedure for Taking a Triphase CT Abdomen 

• The patient reclines on the CT table.  
• IV cannula is set up for contrast material injection.  
• Arterial phase scanning is done right after the injection.  
• Venous phase scans are completed within a cutoff period of 60 to 90 seconds.  
• Capturing images of the delayed phase are done after a few minutes.  
• All processes can be completed within an estimated time span of 20 and 30 minutes.  

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• History of sensitivity to contrast media should be provided.  
• Notify the technician if you are a diabetic or if you are taking metformin.  
• Observing spatial immobility during scanning is important.