CT scan with contrast

What is CT with contrast?

Computed tomography is a high-speed method of examination of most internal organs and systems, and the use of radiopaque contrast agent during scanning increases the diagnostic information by 80%.

What can contrast CT scan reveal?

• inflammatory changes in internal organs;
• neoplasms (of various origins);
• stones (kidneys, gallbladder or liver ducts, etc.);
• abnormalities in the development of internal organs, blood vessels, etc.;
• traumatic injuries of internal organs;
• the quality of treatment (chemotherapy) or after surgery, etc.

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Doctors

What is the preparation for CT with contrast?

Preparation for the examination consists of several stages:

• laboratory - includes blood sampling to determine kidney function (renal creatinine);
• manipulative - consists in placing a peripheral catheter into the patient's vessel on the arm (usually in the elbow area), for further injection of contrast during scanning;
• physiological - involves drinking 1 - 1.5 liters of water before the examination (if the abdominal cavity will be examined).

Are there any adverse reactions to contrast, what is its harmfulness?

The St. Paraskeva Medical Center uses non-ionic radiopaque drugs (less dense), so the manifestations of allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Adverse reactions may occur in patients who are intolerant to iodine, because the contrast consists of iodine compounds. In such cases, patients may experience hives, itchy skin, sneezing, and the like. These reactions are mild reactions and do not require medical intervention. If the patient's general condition does not improve or symptoms increase, the anesthesiologist immediately takes all necessary measures to relieve the allergic reaction.

The radiopaque drug does not affect the patient's psychomotor state, so after the examination, you can return to the usual rhythm of life.

If the blood parameters of the kidneys (renal creatinine) are out of the norm, the patient may be denied diagnosis to avoid the development of renal failure, because contrast affects the filtering ability of the kidneys.

What are the contraindications to CT with contrast?

• deviations from the norm of blood biochemical parameters (renal creatinine);
• allergic reactions to iodine or moderate to severe allergic reactions to contrast in the past;
• pregnancy (only for vital signs);
• the patient's weight is more than 125 kg.