Question

CT abdomen and Pelvis with contrast - Appendicitis protocol

Patient explanation and type(s) and amount of contrast, IV requirements, mechanical power injector considerations (bolus timing and/or phase of contrast enhancement etc.).

Answer 1

Appendicitis

Appendicitis , the most common cause of acute abdomen disease which is the most common reason for emergency abdominal surgery.The inflammatory process increases intraluminal pressure , initiating a progressively severe , generalized, or upper abdominal pain that becomes localised in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen within a few hours.

An abdominal CT scan helps doctor to see organs , blood vessels, and bones in the abdominal cavity. The images provides detailed information about the abdomen. IV contrast helps to visualize blood vessels, organs , and other structures , and they are iodine-based dye. The dye may cause experience a warm sensation all aover body and a metal taste in the mouth, which is normal. Typically , 75cc to 150cc of contrast are injected which is based upon patient's age, weight. The bolus technique of contrast enhancement uses scanning after a rapid injection of contrast material.  Using a single contrast bolus , where one body region is imaged with the contrast at different circulatory phases.New power injectors, need to allow tight control of flow rate , volume, and timing of the injection. volume of contrast of 50 - 200mL is injected at a rate or a combination of rates of between 1 and 6 mL per seconds . scanning begins .