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Abdominal CT scan
Computed tomography scan - abdomen; CT scan - abdomen; CT abdomen and pelvis
An abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomography.
How the Test is Performed
You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Most often, you will lie on your back with your arms raised above your head.
Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern spiral scanners can perform the exam without stopping.
x-ray
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles through the body. The im...
A computer creates separate images of the belly area. These are called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the belly area can be made by stacking the slices together.
You must be still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time.
In many cases, an abdominal CT is done with a pelvis CT .
Pelvis CT
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the area between the hip bo...
The scan should take less than 30 minutes.
How to Prepare for the Test
You need to have a special dye, called contrast, put into your body before some exams. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays. Contrast can be administered in various ways. Such as:
- Contrast can be given through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test.
- You may have to drink the contrast before the exam. When you drink it will depend on the type of exam being done. Contrast has a chalky taste, although some are flavored so they taste a little better. The contrast you drink will pass out of your body through your stools and is harmless.
Let your health care provider know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medicines before the test to safely receive this substance.
Before receiving the contrast, tell your provider if you take the diabetes medicine metformin. People taking this medicine may have to stop taking it for a while before the test.
Let your provider know if you have any kidney problems. The IV contrast can worsen kidney function.
Too much weight can damage the scanner. Find out if the CT machine has a weight limit if you weigh more than 300 pounds (135 kg).
You will need to take off your jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study.
How the Test will Feel
Lying on the hard table may be a little bit uncomfortable.
If you have contrast through a vein (IV), you may have:
- Slight burning sensation
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Warm flushing of the body
These feelings are normal and go away within a few seconds.
Why the Test is Performed
An abdominal CT scan makes detailed pictures of the structures inside your belly very quickly.
This test may be used to look for:
- Blood in the urine
- Cause of abdominal pain or swelling
- Cause of abnormal blood test results such as liver or kidney problems
- Hernia
- Cause of a fever
- Masses and tumors, including cancer
- Infections or injury
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Kidney stones
Kidney stones
A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time.
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Appendicitis
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine.
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What Abnormal Results Mean
The abdominal CT scan may show some cancers, including:
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Cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter
Cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter
Cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter is cancer that forms in the kidney's pelvis or the tube (ureter) that carries urine from the kidney to the bladd...
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-
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Ovarian cancer
-
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.
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Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue. It results in the release of too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that contro...
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Renal cell carcinoma
(kidney cancer)
Renal cell carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer that starts in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney.
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The abdominal CT scan may show problems with the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas, including:
-
Acute cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is sudden swelling and irritation of the gallbladder. It causes severe belly pain.
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-
Cholelithiasis
Cholelithiasis
Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
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Pancreatic abscess
Pancreatic abscess
A pancreatic abscess is an area filled with pus within the pancreas.
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Pancreatic pseudocyst
Pancreatic pseudocyst
A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac in the abdomen. It may also contain tissue from the pancreas, enzymes, and blood.
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- Blockage of bile ducts
The abdominal CT scan may reveal the following kidney problems:
- Blockage of the kidneys
-
Hydronephrosis
(kidney swelling from the backflow of urine)
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis is swelling of one kidney due to a backup of urine. This problem may occur in one kidney.
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- Kidney stones
- Kidney or ureter damage
-
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease is a kidney disorder passed down through families. In this disease, many cysts form in the kidneys, causing them to become...
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Abnormal results may also be due to:
-
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when an area of the aor...
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Abscesses
Abscesses
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.
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Appendicitis
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine.
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Bowel wall thickening
Bowel wall thickening
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and bowel changes. IBS is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)...
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- Renal artery stenosis
-
Renal vein thrombosis
Renal vein thrombosis
Renal vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidney.
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Risks
Risks of CT scans include:
- Allergy to contrast dye
- Exposure to radiation
- Damage to kidney function from contrast dye
CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. Most modern scanners are able to reduce the radiation exposure. Talk to your provider about this risk and the benefit of the test for getting a correct diagnosis of your medical problem.
Some people have allergies to contrast dye. Let your provider know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.
The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. If you have an iodine allergy, you may have nausea or vomiting , sneezing , itching , or hives if you get this type of contrast. If you must be given such contrast, your provider may give you antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.
Nausea or vomiting
Nausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up is forcing the contents of the stomach ...
Sneezing
A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth.
Itching
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...
Hives
Hives are raised, often itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can al...
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are drugs that treat allergy symptoms. When taken by mouth, they come as pills, chewable tablets, capsules, and liquids.
Your kidneys help remove IV dye from the body. You may need extra fluids after the test to help flush the iodine out of your body if you have kidney disease or diabetes.
Rarely, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response. Tell the scanner operator right away if you have any trouble breathing during the test. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.
References
Kim DH, Pickhardt PJ. Diagnostic imaging procedures in gastroenterology. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 133.
Radiologyinfo.org. Computed tomography (CT) - abdomen and pelvis. Updated June 16, 2016. www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominct . Accessed July 25, 2016.
Shaw AS, Prokop M. Computed tomography. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology . 6th ed. New York, NY: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2015:chap 4.
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CT scan - illustration
CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin X-ray beam is rotated around the area of the body to be visualized. Using very complicated mathematical processes called algorithms, the computer is able to generate a 3-D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information for the physician.
CT scan
illustration
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Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
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Liver cirrhosis, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing cirrhosis of the liver.
Liver cirrhosis, CT scan
illustration
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Liver metastases, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing multiple metastasis (cancer that has spread) in the liver of a patient with carcinoma of the large bowel. Note the dark areas in the liver (left side and center of picture).
Liver metastases, CT scan
illustration
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Lymph node metastases, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the middle abdomen showing a large tumor mass due to metastasis (spreading cancer) in abdominal lymph nodes.
Lymph node metastases, CT scan
illustration
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Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration
This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).
Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan
illustration
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Neuroblastoma in the liver - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows a large tumor (neuroblastoma) on the person's right side (lower left side of picture). The tumor is behind the liver and is pushing the liver forward and may have possibly spread into the liver tissue.
Neuroblastoma in the liver - CT scan
illustration
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Pancreatic, cystic adenoma - CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a large cyst in the pancreas (cystic adenoma of the pancreas) seen on the upper right side of the picture.
Pancreatic, cystic adenoma - CT scan
illustration
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Pancreatic cancer, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a tumor (pancreas carcinoma) in the head of the pancreas, seen here in the middle of the picture.
Pancreatic cancer, CT scan
illustration
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Pancreatic pseudocyst, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a pseudocyst in the corpus, or tail, of the pancreas.
Pancreatic pseudocyst, CT scan
illustration
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Peritoneal and ovarian cancer, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan series of the lower abdomen showing ovarian cancer that has metastasized (spread) to the peritoneum.
Peritoneal and ovarian cancer, CT scan
illustration
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Spleen metastasis - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows multiple tumors in the liver and spleen that have spread (metastasized) from an original intestinal cancer (carcinoma).
Spleen metastasis - CT scan
illustration
-
Normal external abdomen - illustration
The abdomen is the area of the body between the chest and pelvis. Some of the large internal organs comprised in this area are the liver, stomach, kidneys, and intestines.
Normal external abdomen
illustration
-
CT scan - illustration
CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin X-ray beam is rotated around the area of the body to be visualized. Using very complicated mathematical processes called algorithms, the computer is able to generate a 3-D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information for the physician.
CT scan
illustration
-
Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
-
Liver cirrhosis, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing cirrhosis of the liver.
Liver cirrhosis, CT scan
illustration
-
Liver metastases, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing multiple metastasis (cancer that has spread) in the liver of a patient with carcinoma of the large bowel. Note the dark areas in the liver (left side and center of picture).
Liver metastases, CT scan
illustration
-
Lymph node metastases, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the middle abdomen showing a large tumor mass due to metastasis (spreading cancer) in abdominal lymph nodes.
Lymph node metastases, CT scan
illustration
-
Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan - illustration
This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).
Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan
illustration
-
Neuroblastoma in the liver - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows a large tumor (neuroblastoma) on the person's right side (lower left side of picture). The tumor is behind the liver and is pushing the liver forward and may have possibly spread into the liver tissue.
Neuroblastoma in the liver - CT scan
illustration
-
Pancreatic, cystic adenoma - CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a large cyst in the pancreas (cystic adenoma of the pancreas) seen on the upper right side of the picture.
Pancreatic, cystic adenoma - CT scan
illustration
-
Pancreatic cancer, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a tumor (pancreas carcinoma) in the head of the pancreas, seen here in the middle of the picture.
Pancreatic cancer, CT scan
illustration
-
Pancreatic pseudocyst, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a pseudocyst in the corpus, or tail, of the pancreas.
Pancreatic pseudocyst, CT scan
illustration
-
Peritoneal and ovarian cancer, CT scan - illustration
A CT scan series of the lower abdomen showing ovarian cancer that has metastasized (spread) to the peritoneum.
Peritoneal and ovarian cancer, CT scan
illustration
-
Spleen metastasis - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows multiple tumors in the liver and spleen that have spread (metastasized) from an original intestinal cancer (carcinoma).
Spleen metastasis - CT scan
illustration
-
Normal external abdomen - illustration
The abdomen is the area of the body between the chest and pelvis. Some of the large internal organs comprised in this area are the liver, stomach, kidneys, and intestines.
Normal external abdomen
illustration
Review Date: 7/3/2016
Reviewed By: Jason Levy, MD, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
