Body Scan

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» What is CT Scanning of the Abdomen?
» What is Total Body CT scan?

Body Scan Information

Body Scan Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death in the United States, accounting for almost 3 out of every 4 deaths.

The body scan, performed in a matter of minutes, screens for the presence of heart disease, certain cancers, as well as other abnormalities. The purpose of a body scan is to identify abnormalities and diseases at an early stage. Studies have shown that early detection of certain diseases may substantially increase the chance of recovery. Therefore, it is important to know that the body scan is a tool, if used properly, which may ultimately increase your chances of recovery through early detection.

The body scan is a simple and painless procedure. An individual merely lies on the scanner table and within minutes multiple images are taken of the torso. Typically a radiologist will then interpret the scan results to determine if there are any visible abnormalities.

The body scan includes a heart scan and lung scan and following areas of the abdomen: kidneys, spine, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, spleen, and certain pelvic organs.

The body scan may detect early or advanced heart disease, aneurisms of the aorta, vascular disease, lung tumors, kidney tumors and liver tumors, calcified kidney stones, calcified gallstones, and certain abnormalities in the abdominal and pelvic region.

Please note that at this time the FDA knows of no data demonstrating that whole-body CT screening, or a full body scan, is effective in detecting any particular disease early enough for the disease to be managed, treated, or cured and advantageously spare a person at least some of the detriment associated with serious illness or premature death.

The cost of a body scan ranges from $600 - $3000.

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What is CT Scanning of the Abdomen?

CT scanning also known as CT scan is a noninvasive, painless radiological test to evaluate many disorders of the abdomen and pelvis. CT scan uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple cross sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis- which are then analyzed by a computer and converted into a 3 dimensional picture. The CT scan is many times more sensitive then the plain x ray in imaging the internal organs of the abdomen. Today, CT is always the first test to detect most pathology of the abdomen and pelvis and is the Gold Standard for evaluation individuals who have suffered abdominal trauma.

Newer techniques such as CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy) allows primary assessment of the distended colon to detect polyps, the precursor to colon cancer, and shows promise in screening for this disease.

What conditions of the abdomen can CT scan be used for?

Ct scan can image the entire abdomen and pelvis and provided excellent pictures for the following conditions:

diagnosis of large bowel diseases: diverticulitis, cancers
diagnosis of small bowel disease: tumors obstruction
appendicitis
liver: masses, cysts, cancers, infection, inflammation
pancreas: inflammation, infection, tumors
kidney: masses, infection, cysts
retroperitoneum: masses, bleeding, infections
abdominal aortic aneurysms
trauma to abdomen and pelvis
stomach: masses, cancers
spleen- infection, masses
causes of bleeding in abdomen and pelvis
CT guided biopsies
Identify enlarged lymph nodes

What preparations are required for an abdominal CT scan?

One should not eat 2-3 hrs prior to the procedure. When arriving to the radiology suite, one should wear loose-fitting clothing to your exam or a gown can be provided.

All metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins can interfere with CT imaging an should be removed or left home prior to the CT scan.

Anyone with allergies/asthma should inform the technologist of this. Individuals with allergies/asthma are required to take some medications at least 24 hrs prior to the procedure.

For individuals who will receive an IV contrast, prior blood work is essential to ensure that the kidney function is normal. Individuals with kidney/diabetes problems may be admitted the night before and hydrated with fluids.

Women should always inform their physician or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Pregnancy is usually a contraindication to a CT scan, unless the benefits of the test override the risks.

What does the CT scan equipment look like?

The CT scanner is a large machine with tunnel housing in the center. A moveable examination table slides into and out of this tunnel. In the center of the machine, the x-ray tube and electronic x-ray detectors are located opposite each other- and rotate around the patient. The images generated are processed by a computer.

Recent advances in scanning technology allow new CT scanners to obtain multiple images in a single rotation. These scanners, called "multi slice CT" or "multidetector CT," allow thinner slices to be obtained in a shorter period of time, resulting in more detail and better resolution. These fast scanners are beneficial for critically ill patients and the elderly.

What are the advantages vs disadvantages of a CT scan of the head?

Advantages

CT scan is a painless non invasive procedure with good sensitivity to detect pathology of the abdomen
CT scan can diagnose many causes of abdominal pain with very high accuracy, enabling faster treatment and often eliminating the need for additional, more invasive diagnostic procedures
When pain is caused by infection and inflammation, the speed, ease and accuracy of a CT examination can reduce the risk of serious complications caused by a ruptured appendix or perforated diverticulum and subsequent spread of infection
CT scan is far superior to an MRI when evaluating masses in abdomen
Ct scan can provide detailed images of the liver, spleen and kidney
CT is excellent for individuals involved in abdominal trauma
CT can rapidly identify the presence of an infection early in evolution
CT is excellent in making a diagnosis of perforated stomach or colon
CT scan is much cheaper than an MRI an equally as fast
The newer generation of CT scans can combine angiography and is excellent in identifying aortic aneurysms
The motion artifacts are less of a problem with a CT scan compared to an MRI
CT scan can be performed in patients with implanted medical devices
CT scan provides dynamic imaging and thus allows for needle biopsies to be performed simultaneously

Disadvantages

unlike MRI, CT scan is associated with a radiation (this is about the same radiation exposure that a normal individual would get in about 12 months)
CT scan should never be done in a pregnant female because of the exposure of radiation risk to the fetus
The dye used in a CT is iodine based and is often a cause of allergy. The dye can also lead to kidney failure in individuals with diabetes
Unlike adults, CT scan should not be repeated in children because of the repeat radiation exposure
CT is not very good at identifying pathology of the soft tissues
CT is not good at identifying areas of inflammation or infection of the brain compared to MRI

What are the limitations of CT Scanning of the Head?

An obese patient may not be able to fit in the machine.

For those who have partial renal failure, injection of contrast may not be possible because of the risk of inducing complete renal failure.

CT scanning is not the primary method of examining the inside or lumen of the hollow organs, such as the stomach and bowel, with the exception of virtual colonoscopy, which can be used to evaluate the lumen of the large bowel.

CT Scanning of the abdomen may not be as sensitive in identifying gallstones as ultrasound of the abdomen.

For some conditions, including but not limited to some liver, adrenal and pancreatic abnormalities, the evaluation and diagnosis with MRI may be preferable over CT scanning.

How is the CT scan performed?

You will be asked to lie down on a flat table which is mobile. An IV is usually started when contrast material is used in the study. After this, the table moves into the tunnel where the actual imaging is done. During the procedure, you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to prevent any motion artifacts. Unfortunately, no one else is allowed in the CT scan room because of radiation exposure but you will be watched through a window by the technologist. The technologist will also speak to you via a microphone. Once the imaging has been completed, you can go home. The imaging takes about 15-20 minutes.

How does one feel during the procedure?

CT scan is a painless procedure. Today’s fast speed scanners can complete the imaging in less than 5-10 minutes, thus reducing the time needed to lay flat and still.

The only discomfort of CT scanning is the lying down flat for a few minutes. This may be of no consequence to most individuals but can be discomforting to those with neck and back problems. In addition, the CT scan does tend to cause a claustrophobic feeling because of the closed space enclosure.

When contrast is used, the individual may feel warm all over the body during the injection. This is a transient painless feeling. Others may complain of a metallic taste in the mouth. The rare individual may develop an allergy which may be associated with hives and pruritis (itching).

When the contrast material is swallowed, it does have an unpleasant taste but tolerable. Most individuals complain of bloating after swallowing the dye- symptoms which rapidly subside.

When a child is having a CT scan, one of the parents or a nurse may be allowed into the room but is required to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.

After the CT scan, one can resume all normal activities. If contrast was administered, one is encouraged to drink lots of fluids.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

The Scans are always read by a radiologist. If prior arrangements have been made with the radiologist, then the results can be available 30 mins after the CT is done.

What is the cost of a CT scan?

The average cost of a CT scan of the head is about $200-400.

What is Total Body CT scan?

In the last few years, the availability of high speed CT scanners has allowed the radiologists to rapidly scan the body for the presence of any cancers. Because the images are obtained in a fast manner, the risk of exposure to radiation is minimal. The Total Body CT scan analyzes three major areas of the body: the lungs, the heart, and the abdomen/pelvis. The lung CT can detect early, potentially malignant nodules. In the heart, the scan can detect aortic aneurysms and calcium deposits within plaque in the coronary arteries. In the abdomen/pelvis area, the scan can identify masses in the liver, spleen, pancreas, retroperitoneum and pelvis. The belief is that if one can identify the cancers early, the earlier the treatment can be started and hence a better prognosis.

Who is a Candidate for Total body CT Scan?

There are no specific guidelines but individuals who have risk factors for cancer and heart disease include:

An individual with coronary artery disease
Individual with a family history of coronary disease
Individual with a history of aneurysms
Individuals with Marfan’s syndrome (prone to aortic aneurysms)
individuals who smoke
An individual or family history of abdominal aneurysm
Individuals who are diabetic, hypertensive and obese

What conditions can be evaluated by a Total body CT scan?

Ct scan can image the entire body and provide excellent pictures for the following conditions:

diagnosis of large bowel diseases: diverticulitis, cancers
diagnosis of small bowel disease: tumors obstruction
appendicitis
liver: masses, cysts, cancers, infection, inflammation
pancreas: inflammation, infection, tumors
kidney: masses, infection, cysts
retroperitoneum: masses, bleeding, infections
abdominal aortic aneurysms
trauma to abdomen and pelvis
stomach: masses, cancers
spleen- infection, masses
causes of bleeding in abdomen and pelvis
CT guided biopsies
Identify enlarged lymph nodes
often the preferred method for diagnosing many lung cancers,
diagnoses of spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures
Detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death
Physicians often use the CT examination to
guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures
plan surgery

What preparations are required for a Total Body CT scan?

One should not eat 2-3 hrs prior to the procedure. When arriving to the radiology suite, one should wear loose-fitting clothing to your exam or a gown can be provided. All metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins can interfere with CT imaging an should be removed or left home prior to the CT scan Anyone with allergies/asthma should inform the technologist of this. Individuals with allergies/asthma are required to take some medications at least 24 hrs prior to the procedure. For individuals who will receive an IV contrast, prior blood work is essential to ensure that the kidney function is normal. Individuals with kidney/diabetes problems may be admitted the night before and hydrated with fluids. Women should always inform their physician or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Pregnancy is usually a contraindication to a CT scan, unless the benefits of the test override the risks.