What is a CECT abdominal scan?
Contrast-enhanced (CE) computed tomography (CT), also known as a CECT abdomen scan, is the diagnostic imaging technology used for the abdomen region that employs contrast medium during a CT scan to produce a more detailed and clearer image of the bones, soft tissue, internal structures, and pathology.
The contrast medium can be given intravenously or orally.
Why is a CECT abdomen scan done?
A CECT abdomen scan may be done to evaluate the abdomen as well as its organs for any pathologies or conditions, especially when other tests, such as a physical examination or X-rays, are inconclusive.
The CECT scan uses contrast material that helps improve the visualisation of the abdomen and its surrounding structures.
Your doctor may order an abdominal CECT scan for a variety of reasons, including:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Suspected cancer
- To evaluate treatment progress
- Infection or inflammation
- Gallbladder or kidney stones
- For determining the size and location of the tumour
How to prepare for a CECT abdomen scan?
• You will most likely have to fast for 4 to 6 hours prior to the scan. Before your test, you may be asked to stop certain medications.
• Remove all metallic items including jewellery, hair clips, eyeglasses, dentures, metal underwire bras, and hearing aids.
• Inform your doctor if you have had any past allergic reaction to the contrast medium or any recent or pre-existing illnesses, or if you are taking any medications.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect that you might be pregnant.
• You may have to do a blood creatinine and urea test to evaluate kidney function and ensure the contrast can be eliminated safely, prior to the CECT scan.
What to expect during the CECT abdomen scan?
- You may have to wear a hospital gown.
- You will be given a contrast medium or dye before the scan. The contrast can be administered intravenously or orally. If oral contrast is administered, it may be given 15 to 30 minutes prior to the scan, and if intravenous contrast is used, it will be administered when you lie down on the scanner table.
- You will be most likely instructed to lie down on the back on the scanner table that slides through the CT scanner’s centre.
- When you enter the scanner, it rotates in a circular pattern around you, and the X-rays will pass into your body for brief periods of time. It is normal to hear clicking sounds.
- The scanner will detect the absorbed X-rays by your body tissues and send them to the computer. The computer will process the data into images, which the radiologist will interpret.
- It is important that you stay still throughout the procedure. At various points during the procedure, you may be instructed to hold your breath.
- You may experience some adverse effects when the contrast medium is injected. Some of these side effects include a metallic taste in your mouth, flushing, a brief headache, nausea, or vomiting. These effects typically last only a few seconds.
- If you experience any difficulty breathing, numbness, sweating, or heart palpitations, please notify the technician.
- A CECT whole abdomen scan normally takes 15–30 minutes.
What are the risks associated with the CECT abdomen scanning?
Although the risk is minimal compared to the benefits of the procedure, following are the potential risks:
- The scan uses ionising radiation, which may raise the likelihood of radiation-induced cancer.
- It requires contrast medium, which poses a risk of renal impairment and a risk of anaphylactic reaction.
