Some tests have the advantage of not being invasive but of being able to give precise answers to arrive at diagnoses. This is the case of CT scan of the abdomenwhich allows you to examine different anatomical sections using X-rays.
What does TAC mean?
Tac is the acronym for computerized axial tomographya diagnostic imaging test (imaging) which, thanks to a ionizing radiations (X-rays), allows you to scan the entire body, including tissues and blood vessels, reproducing the anatomical districts in sections, which appear on the computer in a three-dimensional version. Nowadays the classic CT scan, which photographed the areas of the body on an axial plane, perpendicular to the height, has been replaced by a more modern instrument which is able to scan the areas of interest at 360 degrees thanks to a tube which revolves around the patient. We therefore speak of simple computed tomography.
What is an abdominal CT scan?
When you perform a CT scan of the abdomen, therefore, you examine a section of the body that includes the abdominal and pelvic organs. Computed tomography of the abdomen is also known as abdominal CT scan or abdominal-pelvic CT scanand is indicated for the diagnosis of various pathologies that can affect:
- small intestine
- large intestine
- pancreas
- liver
- kidneys
- bladder
In the case of women, the abdominal-pelvic CT scan is also used to observe thegenital systemand more specifically:
- uterus
- fallopian tubes
- ovaries
It is important to specify here that it is not safe to perform a computed tomography scan during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimesters, due to the potential risk to the fetus. Exposure to X-rays can pose risks to developing organs such as the brain and central nervous system. Although the risk of birth defects from X-ray exposure is low, especially with a single scan, healthcare providers try to limit any unnecessary exposure to X-rays during pregnancy. For this reason, less invasive imaging modalities that do not use ionizing radiation, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, are preferred during pregnancy.
If it is necessary to perform a CT scan during pregnancy for urgent medical reasons, the risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary medical team, and the procedure should only be performed if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Complete abdominal CT scan
We talk about Complete abdominal CT scan when referring to computed tomography which has the purpose of examining the upper and lower abdomen, therefore all the organs and vessels found in this area of the body.
Abdominal CT scan with contrast
CT scans are usually carried out with a contrast medium, i.e. a liquid that is injected intravenously into the patient before subjecting him to the exam or, in other cases, ingested as a water-soluble preparation. This is a solution based Iodine which serves to make some details more visible, in particular arteries, veins, lymph nodes and parenchyma.
When to do an abdominal CT scan
It is necessary to undergo a CT scan of the abdomen when the doctor, whether treating you or a specialist, requests an in-depth study of an organ or system in the abdominal area. In particular, it is an optimal tool for the diagnosis of:
- tumors of the bladder, ovary, pancreas, kidney, liver
- lymphomas, i.e. neoplasms of the lymphoglandular system
- internal bleeding
- inflammations such as appendicitis, pyelonephritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis
- inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ischemic colitis and lymphocytic colitis
- abscesses
- consequences of bone or visceral trauma, for example of the liver, kidneys or spleen
- diverticulitis
- patency or stenosis of blood vessels
- kidney stones
- abdominal aortic aneurysm
Usually, to observe the colon In addition to classic colonoscopy, the so-called ColonTac or virtual colonoscopy is used, an accurate method useful for the prevention and diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
There abdominal computed tomography serves as a guide in some medical procedures, such as biopsies of an abdominopelvic organ, or during surgery or drainage of an abscess.
It is also used in case of transplant and when a patient needs to undergo radiation therapy. Again for cancer patients, abdominal CT can prove effective in monitoring the effects of chemotherapy.
For which symptoms should you have an abdominal CT scan?
As we have said, computed tomography of the abdomen examines and reproduces in 3D the organs, systems and vessels contained in the abdomen, from the intestinal ones to the reproductive ones of the woman. Symptoms that may require a test of this type are generally:
- intra-abdominal bleeding
- persistent pain in the abdomen
- obstructions
- intestinal disorders
- urination problems
- abnormal gynecological disorders
The CT scan often comes as a response to a failure diagnosis after the patient has undergone other tests, such as blood counts, ultrasounds and specialist visits. CT equipment is widely available in hospitals and medical facilities around the world, making this type of imaging easily accessible for patients, especially in emergency situations due to the speed of image acquisition.
Who prescribes the CT scan?
There abdominal CT scan it is not a test that can be carried out without a precise indication from the doctor. It will therefore be the attending physician, or the specialist, who prescribes the computed tomography scan, usually after having searched for the causes of the disorders complained of by the patient with other investigations.
Although it can be done privately, a medical prescription is always required for a CT scan of the abdomen.
How to prepare for an abdominal CT scan
Just like CT scans of other parts of the body (for example neck, head, etc.), the CT scan of the abdomen does not require any particular preparation. However, it is important to follow some recommendations.
The pregnant women and people with kidney failure they should not undergo X-rays. Those with diabetes should also talk to their doctor.
If you suspect a pregnancy, therefore, communicate it, because ionizing radiation could harm the fetus.
The abdominal CT scan is usually performed with contrast medium, for this reason, blood tests will be required (in particular creatinine, protidogram, blood sugar and urea nitrogen) carried out no later than one month before. The radiologist or doctor who prescribes the CT scan may require further investigations.
In case of administration of contrast liquid, absolute fasting is required for the six hours before the exam. Taking medicines should also be stopped for the same amount of time.
It is important to report to the radiologist the presence of cardiac, thyroid or asthma diseases, or particular allergies.
CT scan without contrast medium
In case of allergy to the contrast medium, steroid drugs can be administered, to be taken twelve hours before the CT scan. However, this is an evaluation that is up to the doctor.
How a CT scan of the abdomen is performed
Typically, the patient is asked to remove rings, necklaces, watches, and other metal objects such as piercings. After undressing and putting on a gown, his blood pressure and temperature are taken.
The actual exam takes place while lying on the table, with long arms positioned behind the head. In many cases, during the abdominal CT scan, a head pillow and earplugs are provided to muffle the loud noise emitted by the gantry, the circular tube that scans the body. Just before starting, if expected, the contrast liquid is administered.
At this point, it is essential that the patient remains still, even limiting or holding his breath if necessary, in order to obtain optimal image quality.
Once the image acquisition is finished, the patient can get up and return to normal activities.
How long does it last
The abdominal CT procedure usually lasts about thirty minutes, a little less if the contrast medium is not used. The image acquisition part, however, only lasts a few minutes.
Side effects
In some cases, the contrast medium can trigger side effects. Mostly there is burning at the time of injection and a metallic taste in the mouth, while in rarer cases there may be reactions such as nausea and vomiting.
Abdominal CT scan results
After acquiring the images, the radiologist will have to analyze them, which is why the result could be delivered a few days later. At this point, it is necessary to contact the doctor who prescribed the CT scan to have a response clear and definitive.
However, if the abdominal CT scan is urgent, the radiologist can immediately analyze the results, for example when it comes to assessing the presence or otherwise of a neoplasm.
There CT scan of the abdomen it is a diagnostic imaging test that allows the three-dimensional reproduction of organs, systems and vessels of the abdomino-pelvic area. It is particularly useful when inflammation or pathologies affecting the kidneys, pancreas, liver, intestine and bladder are suspected, but it can also be used as a “guide” for biopsies and surgical procedures.
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