CT ABDOMEN & LOWER THORAX

Abdomen & Lower Thorax CT Scan Overview

CT abdomen (compressed tomography) and lower thorax are imaging tests that are safe and painless and allows gaining insight into the abdomen and area of the lower thorax in subsequent slices. This humongous task is completed by combining sophisticated x-ray and computerized technology, which is synonymous with diagnosing and monitoring other diseases concerning the abdominal organs such as the liver, the kidneys, the pancreas, the spleen, and the lungs and lower esophagus. Certain patients may have dietary restrictions or certain medications may be discouraged prior in order to achieve precise images during the scanning process. 

What is a CT Abdomen & Lower Thorax? 

A CT scan is the use of numerous X-ray tubes rotated about the patient and computer processing to generate sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue, with CT of the abdomen and lower thorax being useful in detecting suspicious findings within these areas. It is superior to the standard x-ray in that CT provides a more precise and clearer perspective of the abdomen and lумоr region. 

Types of CT Abdomen Lower Thorax CT 

• Standard CT Scan: the images are taken without enhancement. 
• Contrast CT: Employs contrast dye for illustration of blood vessels and textures making them more attractive. 
• Dual-Energy CT: More advanced differentiation of materials are allowed through utilization of two different energy levels ideal for evaluating tip of kidney stones. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Abdomen Lower Thorax CT Scan

• Study of the size and structure of the organ. 
• Presence of masses, lesions or tumors. 
• Abnormalities in the blood vessels. 
• Evaluation of infectious or inflammatory disease processes. 

Modifications to any treatment depend on the patient’s clinical history or psychosocial status. 

Reasons for Taking an Abdomen Lower Thorax CT Scan

• Unrelieving abdominal or thoracic pain. 
• An unintentional loss of body weight. 
• Relapsing abscesses or cysts. 
• Diagnosis and treatment of neoplasm. 
• Assessment of additional processes like alcoholic pancreatitis or liver cirrhosis. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Safe, quick, and without pain method of procedure. 
• Quick diagnosis which is relevant to patients with acute illness. 
• Detailed images of various or many organs such as the lungs, heart, abdomen, etc., at once. 
• Assist to formulate a plan for surgical, medical, or radiation therapy. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Abdomen Lower Thorax CT Scan

• Chronic liver diseases namely cirrhosis, liver tumors, etc. 
• Acute pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors. 
• Renal stones, inductions, neoplasms. 
• Bowel obstruction, bowel perforation. 
• Barium radiographic studies of thoracic structures, tumors, pleural effusions.

Preparing for Abdomen Lower Thorax CT Scan

Procedure Before CT Scan Abdomen & Lower Thorax. 

• If instructed, follow certain dietary regimes, eg, diet for several hours before the examination. 
• All medications being taken at the moment should be reported to the doctor. 
• Any allergy and history, related to the contrast you would be helpful to the technician nurse. 

Pre-requisites 

• Potentially needing to refrain from eating and drinking, mainly when contrast material is used. 
• Encouraging adequate water intake in patients who would undergo contrast study. 
• Discuss any allergens or pregnancy possibilities with the practitioner. 

Best Period for CT Abdomen & Lower Thorax Assessment 

• Many of patients are told to prepare for the test at certain times but usually better time of the test can be determined. 
• Nevertheless, with appropriate precautions, most adults and older children can undergo a CT scan. 
• There are times when pregnant women may need to avoid doing this test unless it is extremely necessary to do so as it may expose them to radiation. 

Method of Performing A CT Abdomen & Lower Torso Structure Scan 

• Appropriate cleaning of all internal organs through CT scan. 
• The patient unseats themselves and places them self onto a nurse’ bed. 
• Patients instructed that they remain motionless and restrain breath from time to time. 
• Patients instructed on how to position themselves and how to go through the CT SCANNER, that rotates around the table in which they had their images taken. 
• Techniques typically last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes because of the types legs do not require the use of an injectable contrast medium. 

Concern prior to the conduction of the test 

• Patients also advised that if they have ever suffered from nervousness or anxiety in enclosed spaces, they should explain it to the person performing the test. 
• Because the kidney is one of the organs best exposed to the side effects of contrast agents, this interaction is highly advised.