A CT Abdomen Scan (Computed Tomography of the abdomen) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs, blood vessels, and surrounding structures. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as infections, tumors, kidney stones, appendicitis, liver diseases, and bowel obstructions.
The scan may involve the use of a contrast dye to enhance the visualization of specific organs or blood vessels. The procedure is non-invasive, typically takes 10-30 minutes, and requires the patient to lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner. While it involves exposure to radiation, the benefits of accurate diagnosis usually outweigh the risks.
Indications:
1. Abdominal pain: Evaluate cause of
acute or chronic abdominal pain.
2. Abdominal trauma: Assess injuries to abdominal organs or blood vessels.
3. Cancer diagnosis: Detect and
stage abdominal tumors, such as liver, pancreatic, or ovarian cancer.
4. Infections: Identify
abscesses, appendicitis, or other abdominal infections.
5. Inflammatory bowel disease: Monitor Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
6. Liver disease: Evaluate
liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, or liver function.
7. Pancreatic disorders: Diagnose
pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or pancreatic cysts.
8. Renal disorders: Detect kidney stones, renal cancer, or kidney damage.
9. Gastrointestinal bleeding:
Identify source of bleeding in the digestive tract.
10. Hernia evaluation: Assess abdominal wall hernias or diaphragmatic hernias.
11. Bowel obstruction: Diagnose
causes of intestinal blockage.
12. Diverticulitis: Evaluate
inflammation of the colon.
13. Appendicitis: Diagnose
inflammation of the appendix.
14. Pre-operative evaluation: Assess patients before abdominal surgery.
Used to:
1.
Diagnose abdominal diseases and conditions.
2.
Detect tumors, cysts, or abscesses in abdominal organs.
3.
Stage cancer and plan treatment.
4.
Monitor inflammatory bowel disease and liver
disease.
5. Evaluate
abdominal trauma and injuries.
6.
Guide biopsies and drainages.
7. Detect
gastrointestinal bleeding and its source.
8.
Diagnose hernias and bowel obstructions.
9. Monitor
abdominal aortic aneurysms.
10.
Plan surgery and other treatments.
11. Detect
kidney stones and other renal problems.
12.
Evaluate pancreatic and biliary disorders.
13. Detect
abdominal wall and diaphragmatic hernias.
14.
Investigate unexplained abdominal symptoms.