Contrast CT
INTRODUCTION
A contrast medium (also known as dye) is sometimes required during a CT scan. It contains iodine and is injected intravenously into the blood, enhancing the visibility of blood vessels, structures and organs.
The risk of an allergic reaction to CT contrast is small. We use a non-ionic contrast agent which minimizes the relative risk of reactions and we prescreen all patients to ensure they are not at increased risk (e.g. renal insufficiency, diabetes or respiratory disease).
REFERRAL GUIDELINES FOR CONTRAST CT
- Please submit recent (within the past 90 days) Creatinine results
- Please include relevant history and test results
INDICATIONS
Angiography
- Rules out fatal blood clots in the lung
- Excludes high blood pressure caused by narrowing of the kidney arteries
- Assesses for any obstruction or narrowing of the mesenteric (major arteries supplying the small and large intestines) and peripheral (arteries supplying the arm and legs) arteries
- Excludes aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and other major mesenteric and peripheral arteries
Spine
- Rules out fatal blood clots in the lung
- Helps to differentiate epidural scar from recurrent disc herniation in patients who are post-op discectomy
Head
- Assesses aneurysms of the Circle of Willis
Abdominal
- Staging of intrabdominal malignancies (e.g. colon cancer, renal cell cancer, gastric cancer, lymphoma)
- Work-up of lesions noted on other modalities (e.g. ultrasound, non-contrast CT)
- Surveillance of liver for hepatoma in patients who are hepatitis B and C positive
- Assesses possible abscess from diverticular disease or irritable bowel disease
REPORTING
Reports are available to the referring physician within one working day of the scan. If the results are urgent, we will telephone the physician to discuss the findings.
Click here for information on your Contrast CT appointment.
|
SAFETY
For all Contrast CT procedures, an emergency room physician or anesthesiologist will be on site. In the event of an emergency, the patient is treated according to Contrast Media Reaction Physician Protocols. Canada Diagnostic Centres is equipped with all the necessary resuscitation equipment in the event of a serious contrast reaction, including an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Our staff is trained First Aid Providers and AED responders.
|
Contraindications for Contrast CT
Contrast will not be administered if the patient:
is pregnant or breast-feeding
has uncontrolled asthma
has had a previous serious allergic reaction to Optiray or to a different IV contrast medium
has clinically significant renal disease
|
|
