CT Scan with Contrast

Contrast-enhanced multi-detector CT at AGEL Ostrava-Vítkovice using the Philips IQon Spectral CT. Intravenous contrast improves soft-tissue characterisation, vascular detail, and tumour assessment. 60–80% dose reduction.

Contrast-enhanced CT at AGEL Ostrava-Vítkovice adds intravenous iodinated contrast agent to the standard Philips IQon Spectral CT protocol, enhancing the visibility of vascular structures, soft-tissue lesions, lymph nodes, and actively perfused tissues. The contrast agent is administered via peripheral intravenous cannula, and the scan acquisition is timed to capture the optimal enhancement phase for the clinical indication: arterial phase for vascular pathology and organ arterial supply, portal venous phase for liver and abdominal organ assessment, or multi-phase acquisition where complex lesion characterisation requires sequential imaging. The Philips IQon Spectral CT adds a further diagnostic layer to contrast-enhanced studies that conventional CT cannot provide. Because the IQon captures dual-energy spectral data simultaneously on every scan, the radiologist can retrospectively apply iodine mapping — producing colour-coded images that quantify iodine uptake in tissues and vessels — and virtual non-contrast reconstructions, which can subtract the iodine signal to simulate an unenhanced acquisition without the additional radiation dose of a true pre-contrast series. This capability improves lesion characterisation in liver imaging, adrenal mass assessment, and renal lesion evaluation, and can reduce total scan phases and radiation exposure. The iMR iterative reconstruction maintains 60–80% dose reduction even in multi-phase contrast protocols. This is clinically significant for oncology patients who may undergo multiple contrast-enhanced CT examinations during diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance — the spectral CT approach reduces cumulative dose while expanding diagnostic information per scan. Contrast-enhanced CT is indicated across a wide range of clinical scenarios: staging of known or suspected malignancy, detection of inflammatory masses and abscesses, vascular anatomy assessment before surgery, pulmonary embolism investigation (CTPA), acute aortic pathology, post-operative follow-up, and renal or adrenal mass characterisation. The radiology team screens each patient for contraindications: iodinated contrast allergy, renal function status (creatinine), and medications requiring temporary discontinuation (notably metformin). Pre-examination hydration instructions are provided; corticosteroid premedication is available for documented contrast allergy. The CT department at AGEL Ostrava-Vítkovice is part of a full hospital environment with 24/7 acute care capability. Czech insurance patients are covered; self-pay bookings are made through radiology reception (+420 595 633 479).