Abdominal-pelvic CT scan

What is an abdomino-pelvic CT scan?

An Abdominal Pelvic CT Scan is an imaging test that visualizes the following structures with the utmost precision: the digestive tract, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, blood vessels, lymph nodes, etc. It detects diseases of the small intestine, colon and other internal organs.

Why have an abdomino-pelvic scan?

Radiologists generally use this procedure to help diagnose the cause (generally unexplained) abdominal or pelvic pain. They also use it to diagnose diseases of the internal organs, small intestine and colon. The pelvic or abdominal pain must be seriously considered, since in most cases, it's what alerts us.

Pelvic pain 

Pain in the lower abdomen, in the pelvis, may be felt. It often involves the uterus, the bladder and the rectum. The symptoms may be dull, intermittent or acute.

Abdominal pain

Almost everyone has experienced pain in the abdomen. Abdominal pain can be cramping, burning, throbbing, twisting, dull, intermittent or acute.

Any pelvic or abdominal pain that persists for more than 6 weeks should be investigated by a radiologist. In some cases, these pains may reveal abnormalities that require follow-up, treatment or intervention.

What are the most common anomalies that can be detected?

An Abdominal Pelvic CT Scan is to visualize and detect the following anomalies:

• Infections such as appendicitis pyelonephritis or collections of infected fluid, also known as abscesses.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, pancreatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.
• These liver, kidney, pancreas, ovary and bladder cancers as well as lymphomas.
• These kidney and bladder stones.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), injuries to abdominal organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys or other internal organs in the event of trauma.

Doctors also use abdominal-pelvic CT scans to :

• To guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainage and minimally invasive tumor treatments.
• Plan and evaluate the results of surgical procedures, such as organ transplants.
• Determining, planning and correctly administering radiotherapy treatments for tumors and monitor response to chemotherapy.

In an emergency, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.