Your Health - CT Scan of the Abdomen

CT Scan of the Abdomen

(Abdominal CT)

Definition

A CT scan is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body. In this case, images of the abdomen are taken.

CT Scan at Kidneys

Reasons for Test

A CT scan is done to study the organs and tissue in the abdomen and to look for signs of:

Injury
Tumors
Infections
Other diseases

Your doctor may recommend an abdominal CT if you have the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Bowel changes
Blood in the urine or stool
Urinary difficulties
Jaundice (yellow skin)
Weight loss
Unexplained fever
Abdominal injury
Fluid build-up in the abdomen

Possible Complications

Sometimes a chemical (called contrast) is used to help improve the pictures. Complications with contrast are rare. If you are planning to have a CT scan with contrast, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Allergic reaction
Kidney failure

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.

A CT scan may not be advised if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

Your doctor may instruct you to:

Avoid eating or drinking anything for four hours before the test if contrast will be used.
Remove any metal objects (eg, jewelry, hearing aids, dentures).

Description of the Test

In some cases, contrast is needed. It helps make certain organs and tissue more visible on the images. It is sometimes given by mouth in a drink. Other times, it will be injected into a vein.

You will be positioned on a special moving table. The table will advance slowly through the CT scanner. You will need to be still during the entire test. As the scanner takes pictures, you will hear humming and clicking. To get a clear picture, the technician will ask you to hold your breath at certain points. You will be able to talk to the technician via an intercom.

After Test

If you had contrast, you may be told to drink extra fluid. This will flush the contrast from your body.

How Long Will It Take?

About 10-60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

You may feel flushed if you received contrast. You may notice a salty or metallic taste in your mouth. You may also feel nauseous.

Results

The CT images will be sent to a radiologist who will analyze them. Your doctor will receive the results and discuss them with you.

Call Your Doctor

If you are given contrast, call your doctor if any of the following occurs after the test:

Hives
Itching
Nausea
Swollen, itchy eyes
Tightness of throat
Difficulty breathing

In case of emergency, call 911.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/

Radiological Society of North America
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Radiologists
http://www.car.ca/

Canadian Radiation Protection Association
http://www.crpa-acrp.ca/

References:

CT-scan. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ct-scan/FL00065. Accessed October 15, 2007.

Rydberg, J, Buckwalter KA, Caldemeyer KS, et al. Multisection CT: scanning techniques and clinical applications. Radiographics. 2000; 20:1787.

Zaret BL. Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin; 1997.

Last reviewed September 2009 by Brian P. Randall, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.