Abdominal CT

CT of the abdomen and pelvis with multi-phase contrast enhancement, evaluating the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, bowel, lymph nodes, and pelvic organs. The scan provides rapid, comprehensive cross-sectional imaging suitable for diagnostic workup of abdominal pain, mass characterisation, and staging.

Abdominal CT remains the most widely ordered cross-sectional investigation for acute and subacute abdominal complaints. HELIMED's multi-slice scanner acquires the entire abdomen and pelvis in a single breath-hold with thin slices that allow multi-planar and 3D reconstruction. The standard protocol includes an unenhanced phase (for calcifications, haemorrhage, and baseline density measurements), an arterial phase (for hypervascular lesion detection and vascular anatomy), and a portal venous phase (for parenchymal organ evaluation and lymph node assessment). A delayed phase may be added for urinary tract evaluation or to characterise lesions that show progressive enhancement. The radiologist systematically reviews each solid organ — liver segments, pancreatic head/body/tail, renal cortex and collecting system, spleen, adrenal glands — along with the bowel wall (thickness, enhancement, obstruction), mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes, the abdominal aorta and iliac vessels, and the musculoskeletal structures included in the field. For patients unable to receive iodinated contrast (renal impairment, allergy), a non-contrast protocol with focused clinical question is available. Scan time is typically 15 to 25 minutes including preparation.