Computed Tomography (CT) - Body: Abdomen & Pelvis

Computed tomography or CT (sometimes called CAT scan) - Body: Abdomen & Pelvis

• What is CT Scanning of the Abdomen and Pelvis?
• What are some common uses of the procedure?
• How should I prepare for the CAT scan?
• How does the procedure work?
• How is the procedure performed?
• Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
• What are the benefits vs. risks?

What is CT Scanning of the Abdomen and Pelvis?

Computed tomography or CT scan-sometimes called CAT scan-is a noninvasive exam that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images of the body that can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT allows much greater clarity of internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels than can be seen with routine x-ray.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Diagnose infections such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
Detect tumors in the liver, pancreas, or kidney.
Find stones in the kidney or bladder.
Evaluate enlarged lymph nodes in lymphoma or leukemia.
Diagnose and follow aortic aneurysm (enlarged aorta).
Screen patients with abdominal trauma for organ injury.
Rapid evaluation of patient with nonspecific abdominal pain.

How should I prepare?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure. Metal objects including jewelry may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material or “dye” will be used in your exam. You may be asked to arrive at the department one hour prior to your exam to drink multiple cups of liquid that opacify the bowel; this assists the radiologist in accurately evaluating your exam. You should inform the technolgist or physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, or "dye," you should inform the technoligist and radiologist. It is especially important to notify the staff if you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes or kidney disease as these conditions may affect your response to the contrast material. Woman should always inform the technologist and radiologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

How does the procedure work?

With CT scanning, numerous x-ray beams and a set of electronic x-ray detectors rotate around you, measuring the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout your body. At the same time, the examination table is moving through the scanner, so that the x-ray beam follows a spiral path. A special computer program processes this large volume of data to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images of your body, which are then displayed on a monitor. This technique is called helical or spiral CT. CT imaging is sometimes compared to looking into a loaf of bread by cutting the loaf into thin slices or tomograms, hence the name computed tomography. When the image slices are reassembled by computer software, the result is a very detailed multidimensional view of the body's interior.

How is the CT scan performed?

The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed. You will be asked to hold your breath during the scanning. Any motion, whether breathing or body movements, can lead to artifacts on the images, so it is very important to follow instructions. Contrast material may be injected unless there is a history of allergy or other contraindication (see Contrast Consent Form in Forms).

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

A radiologist with special expertise in abdominal and pelvis CT examinations will analyze the images and send a signed report to your referring physician who will then discuss the results with you. Results may be available to your referring physician immediately if needed or within the next 24 hours.

What are the benefits vs. risks?

Benefits:

CT is fast, non-invasive, and accurate.
A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels all at the same time.
CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and biopsy.

Risks:

The benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs any theoretical risk of radiation exposure.
The risk of serious reaction to contrast material is rare (see Contrast Consent Form in Forms).

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