Monday May 21 , 2012
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CT Scan - Abdomen

CT Abdomen - Overview & Technique

Computed tomography (CT)—sometimes called CAT scan—uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue with great clarity, including organs like the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the colon and the rectum, an experienced radiologist can accurately diagnose many causes of abdominal pain such as an abscess in the abdomen, an inflamed colon or colon cancer, diverticulitis and appendicitis. Often, no additional diagnostic workup is necessary and treatment planning can begin immediately.

CT Abdomen - Alternative Names and Explanations

CT Scan of the abdomen, Abdominal CT, CT Scan - Abdomen w/o contrast 74150, CT Scan -  Abdomen with contrast 74160, CT Scan -  Abdomen with & w/o contrast 74170, Liver CT, Adrenal CT, Pancreatic CT, Renal CT

CT Abdomen - Benefits

  • Unlike other imaging methods, CT scanning offers detailed views of many types of tissue, including the lungs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.
  • CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
  • CT examinations are fast and simple. For example, in emergency cases they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
  • Diagnosis made with the assistance of CT can eliminate the need for invasive exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
  • CT scanning can identify normal and abnormal structures, making it a useful tool to guide radiotherapy, needle biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures.
  • CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
  • CT is becoming the preferred method for diagnosing many diseases of the bowel and colon, including diverticulitis and appendicitis, and for visualizing the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys.
  • In cases of acute abdominal distress CT can quickly identify the source of pain.
  • When pain is caused by infection and inflammation, the speed, ease and accuracy of a CT examination can reduce the risk of serious complications caused by a burst appendix or ruptured diverticulum and the subsequent spread of infection.
  •  In cases where bowel obstruction is suspected, CT may be the best imaging test.
  • 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 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.
  • Many dedicated shock-trauma centers have a CT scanner in the trauma department.
  • 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.

CT of the Abdomen - Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

  • Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include the following: Acute renal failure Alcoholic liver disease (hepatitis/cirrhosis) Atheroembolic renal disease Chronic glomerulonephritis Chronic renal failure Cushing syndrome Cushing syndrome caused by adrenal tumor Injury of the kidney and ureter Medullary cystic kidney disease Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) I Polycystic kidney disease Reflux nephropathy Renal artery stenosis Renal vein thrombosis Skin lesion of histoplasmosis

    • Abdominal aortic aneurysm Abscesses Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy Acute cholecystitis Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy Addison's disease Amebic liver abscess Appendicitis Bilateral hydronephrosis Bowel wall thickening Carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter Cholangiocarcinoma Choledocholithiasis Cholelithiasis Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy Chronic cholecystitis Chronic pancreatitis Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis) Cystinuria Cysts Echinococcus Enlarged lymph nodes Enlarged organs Gastrointestinal or bowel obstruction Glucagonoma Hairy cell leukemia Hepatocellular carcinoma Histoplasmosis; disseminated Hodgkin's lymphoma Islet of Langerhans' tumor Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II Nephrocalcinosis Nephrolithiasis Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Ovarian cancer Pancreatic abscess Pancreatic carcinoma Pancreatic pseudocyst Pancreatitis Pheochromocytoma Primary hyperaldosteronism Pyelonephritis - acute Pyogenic liver abscess Renal cell carcinoma Retroperitoneal fibrosis Sclerosing cholangitis Stones (bladder, kidney, liver, gall bladder) Testicular cancer Tumors Unilateral hydronephrosis Ureterocele Wilms' tumor Wilson's disease Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

    CT  Abdomen- Images

    CT Abdomen - References, Links, and Additional Information

    Schedule Your CT Scan of the Abdomen Today! 

    • If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

    • If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

    • If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.
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    • CT of the abdomen, abdominal CT scan, abdominal pain
    • CT of the Abdomen information including overview, technique, alternatives, benefits, and common findings. Schedule an abdominal CT in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale.
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