Why patient should do the examination? (value of test).
It helps in diagnosis of the different intra-orbital masses.
It helps in diagnosis the orbital fractures as well as the intra ocular foreign bodies.
It can be used to evaluate orbital infections whether starting inside the orbit or extending from surrounding structure and evaluate the extension of the disease.
It can be used to measure the volume of the orbital cavity.
It help in evaluation of the nasolacrimal duct
Who benefits from getting tested?
Patients with history of orbital related disease like proptosis, infection, visual disturbances.
Patients with suspected tumor to verify the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
Evaluation of the orbital structures after trauma.
Pre ocular implantation assessment.
Evaluate cases with epiphora.
Are there any contraindications to the examination?
Pregnant women particularly in the first trimester to avoid harmful effects of ionization radiation on the fetus. It can be carried out for pregnant women only in critical situations after discussion of the potential risks , obtaining informed consent and using abdominal lead aprons.
Patients who have a known allergy to the intravenous contrast media, patients with impaired renal functions should avoid contrast enhanced study but can perform routine non contrast study safely
What other tests should be done with this examination?
IV contrast administration in inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.
Your physician may request MRI study to get more information about the disease nature and extension
Examination preparations
No preparation needed for the non-contrast study.
Patient should be food fasting 4-6 hrs before the exam in case of contrast enhanced study only. Adequate hydration is needed and recent kidney function test should be available at the time of your examination
A brief description of the examination procedure
CT can scan the orbits in less than a minute while the patient is lying comfortably on CT table
Where I can get tested?
The examination is done on one of our highly advanced CT machines available in our branches
Are there any aftercare or precautions to be done?
No after care or precautions needed following non contrast enhanced study.
In case of contrast enhanced study drinking plenty of water is advised to help to wash out the injected IV contrast material out of your body except if you are on fluid balance for renal or cardiac condition you may consult your physician and in case of lactating mothers it is advised to escape lactation for 24 hrs after the contrast injection
Are there any possible complications to the examination?
In very rare cases some patients may experience contrast allergic reaction after IV contrast injection so if you have any previous history of allergy to IV contrast media it is safer to perform the exam without IV contrast
