An abdominal CT scan uses specialized rays to create a cross-sectional image of the patient’s internal organs. The abdominal scan is necessary for the diagnosis of several ailments and anomalies within the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, various contrasts are used to separate one organ from the other one. It helps in diagnosing the growth of tumors or other abnormalities in the abdomen.
Many doctors prefer CT scans over MRI because it costs less than MRI. On average, the abdominal CT scan is completed in 20 to 30 minutes. In contrast, the reports are released within the next 24 hours. Today, it is crucial to learn how to read the abdominal scan. It makes it easier to know the changes in a person’s body.
What Is An Abdominal CT Scan?
CT scan is used to get a clear picture of the vital internal organs of the human body. It stands for Computed Tomography and shows the cross-sectional images of the abdomen and other vital organs.
An abdominal scan is a technique the doctor recommends to diagnose abdominal abnormalities. This scan uses specialized rays enabling the doctors to view the structures and organs in the patient’s body. The sole reason behind performing an abdominal scan is when the doctor suspects something might be wrong with the patient.
How To Read Abdominal CT Scan?
CT scan helps in the diagnosis of several diseases. It is known to provide complete information about the internal body organs. Moreover, reading a CT can be pretty challenging. Below listed points will help with how to read abdominal scans:
· Abdominal Wall
Once the scan is done, the examiner moves on with viewing the abdominal scan. They begin by considering the most lateral part of the abdomen, the abdominal wall.
However, the abdominal walls consist of two groups of muscles known as posterior and anterolateral. The posterior group of muscles contains latissimus dorsi, psoas major, iliacus, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and psoas minor muscles.
The abdominal wall’s anterolateral group of muscles contains three layers. These layers are external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles. These layers are identified together with the rectus abdominis muscle and its sheath.
· Liver
While reading the CT scan, the liver is the first organ to get noticed by the examiner. Furthermore, on the liquid density of the liver is higher than the other vital organs of the body. So, it appears slightly brighter than the other body organs.
If the intrahepatic biliary ducts are visible in the abdominal scan, it indicates the growth and presence of a pathological micro-organism. Also, to view each organ and duct, various dyes are used. These dyes make diagnosis easier for doctors.
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· Gall Bladder
The gall bladder is filled with liquid. Therefore, it requires special attention to view the presence of stones. These stones appear in the CT Scan as dense masses.
· Pancreas
The pancreas is usually analyzed together as they lie in the same transverse plane. However, if the corners of the pancreas appear rough or bumpy, it indicates tumor growth. The edges of the pancreas must be smooth, indicating that the organ is healthy.
Moreover, the presence of irregular masses on the suprarenal glands indicates the presence of pheochromocytoma (tumor).
· Spleen
Spleen is one of the most vital organs of the human body. Its capsule shape makes it unique. Moreover, the abnormality of the spleen can be easily detected by the abnormal growth of the organ. Splenomegaly is the spleen enlargement that happens during pathological findings.
The normal spleen has a concave shape. In comparison, the enlarged spleen grows to be convex in shape. However, the enlarged spleen causes pain and swelling in the abdomen.
· Kidney
The kidneys appear elliptical in the abdominal scan. The presence of kidney stones can be indicated by viewing the hypodense kidney parenchyma.
· Stomach
The stomach CT scan is longer viable or recommended these days. Most doctors prefer conducting an endoscopy to diagnose abdominal issues. These tests are considered the most accurate for diagnosing gastric carcinoma.
However, in the struggle of how to read an abdominal scan, it is essential to keep a close eye on the thickness of the gastric wall. Abnormal thickening of the wall indicates pathological growth in the organs. Through the CT Scan, it is possible to diagnose gastritis and gastric ulcer.
Risks Involved In Abdominal CT Scan
The abdominal CT scan is a safe procedure, but like every procedure has risks associated with it under certain conditions. The process can be risky for the ones who are sensitive to radiation. As for the children, it is better to avoid the abdominal CT scan as there is a risk of high-frequency radiation. Some of the ct scan risks are as under:
· Congenital Disabilities
Exposure to high frequency can be highly harmful to the patient. In addition, a CT scan is not safe for the fetus. It can cause mutation and congenital disabilities in the child. So, it is better to avoid a CT scan during pregnancy.
· Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions are common during CT scans. The frequency of these rays causes redness and rashes on the patient’s body. However, conducting CT scans at regular intervals can cause extreme damage to the patient’s sensitive skin. So, before getting a CT scan, it is necessary to inform your doctor about your medical family history.
· Kidney Failures
Kidneys are vital organs of the human body. Moreover, continuous exposure of kidneys to high-frequency rays can cause kidney failure. Therefore, it is always best to educate your doctor about your medical family history and your allergies to any medication.
The Final Word
CT scan is a clear picture of the internal organs of the human body. It helps in determining the cross-section of the vital organs. However, knowing how to read the abdominal CT scan is necessary in this hectic world. Moreover, it helps the patient learn about his body’s condition. It also helps the patient make healthy changes in his life and improve his health.