Below, we outline some of the basics of various CT scan procedures. Call if you have questions or would like to schedule a CT Scan. CT imaging of the abdomen is an examination that uses x-rays to visualize several types of tissue, including organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.
Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the lower gastrointestinal GI tract, colon, and rectum, an experienced radiologist can accurately diagnose many causes of abdominal pain, such as:. Often, no additional diagnostic work-up is necessary and treatment planning can begin immediately.
CT is often the preferred method for diagnosing many different cancers, including colon cancer, since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and to measure its size, precise location, and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue.
CT examinations of the lower GI tract can be used to plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors, and to guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures. CT can also play a significant role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of vascular disorders that can lead to stroke, gangrene, or kidney failure.
A CT examination of the gastrointestinal tract requires the use of a contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues. Before administering the contrast material, the radiologist or technologist will ask whether you have any allergies, especially to medications or iodine, and whether you have a history of diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney problems or thyroid conditions.
These conditions may indicate a higher risk of reaction to the contrast material or potential problems eliminating the material from the patient's system after the exam. A CT examination usually takes from five minutes to half an hour. When the exam is over, the patient may be asked to wait until the images are examined to determine if more images are needed.
Atlantic Medical Imaging was the first imaging practice in the area to offer the highly esteemed Coronary CTA procedure. In this imaging test, a contrast dye is injected into the arteries. The CT scanner then takes x-rays to create an image of blood flow in the body, which should be highlighted thanks to the contrast dye. CT Angiography can detect signs of heart disease in the earliest stages. With this procedure, we can assess how efficiently blood is flowing in both the coronary and peripheral vascular system.
CTAs only take a few seconds. Most of the time you spend at the clinic will be spent setting things up. After changing into a gown and having an IV set up, you will answer questions about things that might complicate the exam such as allergies and then will lie down on a narrow table.
A sample of contrast dye will be injected to see how quickly it can reach the designated area. The IV is then hooked up to an automatic injector, contrast material is injected, and the scan begins. A CTA typically lasts between 10 to 25 minutes. As metal interferes with the workings of the CT scanner, the patient will need to remove all jewelry and metal fastenings. The patient will need to lie down on a motorized examination table that slides into a doughnut-shaped CT scanner machine.
In most cases, the patient will lie on their back, facing up. But, sometimes, they may need to lie facedown or sideways. After one x-ray picture, the couch will move slightly, and then the machine will take another image, and so on.
The patient needs to lie very still for the best results. During the scan, everybody except for the patient will leave the room. An intercom will enable two-way communication between the radiographer and the patient.
If the patient is a child, a parent or adult might be allowed to stand or sit nearby, but they will have to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure. These levels of radiation, even in people who have undergone several scans, has not proven to be harmful. The chance of developing cancer as the result of a CT scan is thought to be less than 1 in 2, The amount of radiation involved is estimated to be around the same as a person would be exposed to in a space of between several months and several years of natural exposure in the environment.
A scan is only given if there is a clear medical reason to do so. The results can lead to treatment for conditions that could otherwise be serious. When the decision is taken to perform a scan, doctors will ensure that the benefits outweigh any risk. This is extremely unlikely in adults, and also unlikely in children.
However, are more susceptible to the effects of radiation. In some cases, only a CT scan can show the required results. For some conditions, an ultrasound or MRI might be possible. Any woman who suspects she may be pregnant should tell her doctor beforehand, because there is a risk that the x-rays could harm the fetus.
If a lactating, or breastfeeding, mother needs an iodinated intravenous dye for contrast, she should avoid breastfeeding for about 24 hours as may pass into the breast milk. A patient who has claustrophobia should tell their doctor or radiographer beforehand.
The patient may be given an injection or tablet to calm them down before the scan. Your health care provider will usually be able to recommend a suitable facility for a scan. You can check if a radiologist is accredited by searching on the website of the American College of Radiology. CT Spine — done to assess injury or abnormalities in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine CT Chest — usually performed to detect acute and chronic changes in the lungs, such as fibrosis, emphysema, and tumors CT Urogram — evaluates the kidneys, ureters, and bladder for stones, blockages and cancers or stenosis.
CT Stone Search — evaluates kidneys, ureters, and bladder for stones. Has mostly replaced the more crude and less accurate Intravenous Pyelogram All CTA scans — specialized CTs designed to look at blood vessels in a specific body region. Please see the section on CTAs for more detailed information. CT Pelvis — most commonly used to diagnose and monitor cancer, pelvic pain, and bowel obstruction. Any combination of organs in the abdominopelvic cavity.
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