Abdominal CT scans are used when a doctor suspects that something might be wrong in the abdominal area but can’t find enough information through a physical exam or lab tests.

Some of the reasons your doctor may want you to have an abdominal CT scan include:

• abdominal pain
• a mass in your abdomen that you can feel
• kidney stones (to check for size and location of the stones)
• unexplained weight loss
• infections, such as appendicitis
• to check for intestinal obstruction
• inflammation of the intestines, such as Crohn’s disease
• injuries following trauma
• recent cancer diagnosis

CT scans are most frequently done with and without a contrast media. The contrast media improves the radiologist's ability to find structures that are abnormal.

• Some patients should not have an iodine-based contrast media. If you have problems with your kidney function, please inform us in advance. We may be able to perform the scan without the contrast media or may be able to find an alternate imaging exam.

• You will be asked to sign a consent form that will detail the risks and side-effects associated with contrast media injected through an intravenous (IV) line (small tube placed in a vein).