A CT scan is an x-ray that uses a computer to make cross-sectional images of the abdomen.
A CT scan is done to study the organs and vascular system within the abdomen for signs of injuries, tumors, or other disease.
Your doctor may recommend an abdominal CT if you have the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Bowel changes
- Blood in the urine or stool
- Urinary difficulties
- Jaundice
- Weight loss
- Unexplained fever
- Abdominal injury
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Many conditions and diseases can be diagnosed with an abdominal CT. These include:
If you are given a contrast dye and have kidney problems, the dye can lead to the worsening of your renal or kidney function.
Previous allergic or anaphylactic response to contrast dye is another complication.
Depending on which tissue your doctor wants to examine, you may be given a contrast dye. If this is the case, do not eat or drink anything for four hours before your exam.
You'll remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. You'll also need to remove all metal-containing items, including jewelry and watches.
If a contrast dye is needed, it is either injected into a vein, or you will drink it in the form of a barium solution. You'll be positioned on a special movable table, called a gantry, part-way inside the CT scanner, which is usually donut-shaped.
The gantry advances you very slowly through the CT scanner. You'll need to be very still during the entire test. As the scanner takes pictures, you'll hear some humming and clicking. The technician will ask you to hold your breath at certain points, so that the picture is not blurred by movement. You are able to talk to the technician and/or doctor during the exam, so if you are in pain, frightened, or concerned in any way, you can communicate this immediately.
If you've received contrast dye, drink extra fluids to more quickly flush it out of your body.
It may take 10-60 minutes, depending on how much area must be scanned and how much detail is required.
The scan itself will not hurt, although you may feel restless. When you receive an injection of contrast dye, you may feel flushed, and you may notice a salty or metallic taste in your mouth. Some people experience brief nausea as the dye circulates.
Allergic or anaphylactic response to contrast dye
Your doctor should be able to spot any abnormalities in the organs and/or tissues within your abdomen.
You have had contrast dye and notice:
- Hives
- Itching
- Nausea
- Swollen, itchy eyes
- Tightness of throat
- Difficulty breathing
Last reviewed October 2007 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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