Why patient should do the examination? (value of test).
To evaluate hepatic focal lesions and portal vein.
Who benefits from getting tested?
Patients with:
- Chronic liver disease e.g. fatty liver and viral hepatitis (B and C).
- Suspected hepatic focal lesions.
- Suspected portal vein thrombosis.
Are there any contraindications to the examination?
- Pregnancy
- Impaired renal function tests.
- History of reactions to contrast agents.
- Treatment of thyroid disease with radioactive iodine.
Examination preparations
- Routine medication should not be stopped.
- Fasting for 4-6 hours.
- Proper hydration.
A brief description of the examination procedure
- A nurse will insert an intravenous catheter (IV line) into a vein in your hand or arm that will be used to inject the contrast material.
- You will be positioned supine on the moveable exam table.
- Standard non-contrast study of the abdomen.
- Injection of 80-100 ml of non-ionized contrast material.
- Dynamic post contrast study to obtain:Arterial phase 15-25 sec Portal phase 70-80 sec Delayed phase 3-5 min
- When the exam is complete, you may be asked to wait while the radiologist checks the images in case more are needed.
- IV line will be removed after finishing the examination.
Where I can get tested?
The exam is done on one of the latest Multislice CT machines from GE, SIEMENS & PHILIPS in Alfa scan branches.
Are there any aftercare or precautions to be done?
We recommend you continue drinking plenty of fluid after the examination, as it helps rapid washout of contrast material out of your body except if you are on fluid balance for renal or cardiac condition, then please review your physician in that matter.
Are there any possible complications to the examination?
Contrast Materials reactions:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headache.
- Itching.
- Flushing.
- Mild skin rash or hives.
