From the Guidelines
A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis will specifically show detailed cross-sectional images of the organs, blood vessels, and tissues in these regions, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, intestines, bladder, reproductive organs, lymph nodes, major blood vessels, and surrounding bones, and can detect abnormalities such as tumors, infections, inflammation, kidney stones, appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstructions, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and traumatic injuries. This imaging technique uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed images, often with contrast material administered orally, rectally, or intravenously to enhance visibility of certain structures, as noted in the study by 1. The contrast helps differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues and highlights blood vessels and organ function, allowing for accurate diagnosis of various conditions affecting the abdomen and pelvis, such as acute pyelonephritis, as discussed in the study by 1. Some of the key findings that can be detected by a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis include:
- Kidney stones or renal obstruction, which can be a source of acute pyelonephritis, as mentioned in the study by 1
- Hydronephrosis, which can be detected with high sensitivity by CT, as noted in the study by 1
- Renal abscess, which can be detected with higher accuracy by contrast-enhanced CT, as discussed in the study by 1
- Extrarenal acute conditions, such as cholecystitis, liver abscess, and appendicitis, which can be detected by contrast-enhanced CT, as mentioned in the study by 1. Overall, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is a valuable diagnostic tool that can provide detailed images of the organs and tissues in these regions, and can detect a wide range of abnormalities and conditions, as supported by the studies by 1 and 1.
From the Research
CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis
A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can show various structures and potential issues in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Some of the things that a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis may show include:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), which are a pathologic condition with progressive abdominal aortic dilatation of 3.0 cm or more that predisposes the abdominal aorta to rupture 2
- Pelvic artery aneurysms (PAAs), which can be detected using a CT scan of the chest/abdomen/pelvis, and are more common in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) 3
- Bowel ischemia, which is a serious complication after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and can be identified using a CT scan 4
- Duodenal obstruction due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm, also known as aortoduodenal syndrome, which is a rare condition where the duodenum is compressed by an AAA 5
Potential Findings
Some potential findings on a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis include:
- Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta or pelvic arteries
- Thrombosis or embolization of the abdominal aorta or pelvic arteries
- Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Bowel ischemia or infarction
- Duodenal obstruction due to extrinsic compression by an AAA
- Other abdominal or pelvic pathologies, such as tumors or inflammatory diseases
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of detecting abnormalities on a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, including: