What is a CT scan of the Abdomen and pelvis?

• Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.
• In a CT scan, an X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ or structure. The X-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the X-ray data and displays it in a 2-D form on a monitor.
• CT scans may be done with or without "contrast." Contrast refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an IV (intravenous) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to show up more clearly on the scan.
• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis used to help detect diseases of the small bowel, colon and other internal organs and is often used to determine the cause of unexplained pain. CT scanning is fast, and accurate. In emergency cases, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
• Your doctor sometimes needs to order a CT Angiography of abdomen and pelvis.
An Abdominal Angiogram looks at the blood vessels in your belly (abdomen). It may be used to check blood flow to the organs of the abdomen, such as the liver and spleen. It may also be used to guide in the placement of medicine or other materials to treat cancer or bleeding in the abdomen.

Why do I need a CT scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis?

• This procedure is typically used to help diagnose the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain and diseases of the internal organs, small bowel and colon, such as:
• Infections such as appendicitis, pyelonephritis or infected fluid collections, also known as abscesses.
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease, pancreatitis or liver cirrhosis.
• Cancers of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, ovaries and bladder as well as lymphoma.
• Kidney and bladder stones.
• Injuries to abdominal organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys or other internal organs in cases of trauma.
• You may need an abdominal angiogram to find problems of the blood vessels in the abdomen. Problems include:
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
• Stenosis or spasms of the blood vessel (vasospasm)
• A connection between the arteries and veins that isnt normal (arteriovenous malformation)
• A blood clot within a blood vessel or blockage of a blood vessel
• Tumors of the liver
• Follow up in patient of liver cirrhosis.
• CT scanning of the abdomen/pelvis is also performed to:
• Guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages and minimally invasive tumor treatments.
• Plan for and assess the results of surgery, such as organ transplants.
• Stage, plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors as well as monitor response to chemotherapy.

How to prepare for a CT scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis?

• You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam.
• Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove underwire containing metal.
• Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
• You should inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
• Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, and diabetes or kidney disease.

-In case of contrast Examinations:

• You should not to eat or drink anything (fasting) for a few hours (4 to 6 h) before the exam, and do renal function test, inform your doctor or radiology technician if you have any allergies or kidney diseases.