CT ABDOMEN & PELVIS PLAIN

CT ABDOMEN & PELVIS PLAIN is a computed tomography examination that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis without intravenous contrast. The scanner uses X-rays and computer processing to display internal structures in multiple planes. The term plain indicates that an intravenous contrast agent is generally not administered.

The scan may show the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, bowel, urinary bladder, pelvic organs, major blood vessels, lymph-node regions, bones and surrounding soft tissues. The visibility of individual abnormalities varies because some diseases are easier to identify with contrast. A plain CT is particularly useful for detecting urinary stones, calcification, bleeding, bowel gas patterns and selected structural abnormalities.

The examination may be used during the investigation of abdominal or pelvic pain, blood in the urine, suspected kidney stones, urinary obstruction, bowel obstruction or certain emergency conditions. The exact protocol and scan coverage are selected according to the referral and clinical symptoms.

Benefits of the Test

• Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis.
• Detects most kidney and ureteric stones with high sensitivity.
• Can identify calcifications, bowel obstruction and selected causes of acute pain.
• Usually does not require an intravenous contrast injection.
• Is quick and can be useful in urgent clinical assessment.
• Allows images to be reconstructed in multiple anatomical planes.

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

A doctor may recommend a plain CT of the abdomen and pelvis when a patient has persistent or severe abdominal pain, flank pain, pelvic pain, blood in the urine, vomiting, abdominal swelling or suspected urinary stones. It may be requested when ultrasound findings are inconclusive or when more detailed anatomical information is needed.

The examination can help identify kidney or ureteric stones, hydronephrosis, bowel dilatation, certain hernias, calcified lesions, abnormal collections and some large masses. It may also demonstrate findings that suggest inflammation or injury, although a contrast-enhanced examination may be more informative for many of these conditions.

A plain CT is not the optimal test for every abdominal or pelvic problem. Intravenous contrast may be required to assess organ enhancement, blood vessels, infection, inflammation, trauma or suspected tumours. Oral or rectal contrast may be used in selected bowel-related protocols. The radiologist may recommend additional imaging when the plain study does not fully answer the clinical question.

Preparation Before Test

Special preparation is often minimal, but instructions vary with the patient's symptoms and the imaging protocol. Fasting may not be required for every plain CT; however, the centre may request avoidance of food for several hours when additional imaging or contrast could become necessary. Follow the instructions provided by Focus Diagnostics.

Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners when possible. Remove jewellery, belts, coins and other metal objects from the scanning region because they may create image artefacts. Provide previous CT, ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, laboratory and surgical records for comparison.

Inform the radiology team if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. Also disclose recent surgery, trauma, known kidney stones, severe pain, fever, bowel symptoms and any inability to lie flat. Because intravenous contrast is not normally used, contrast allergy and kidney-function testing are generally not required unless the protocol is changed after medical review.

Normal Reporting Time

The scan commonly takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes, although actual image acquisition is usually completed within a much shorter period. The radiologist's report is generally available on the same day or within 24 hours. Urgent or critical findings may be communicated sooner according to clinical requirements.

Who Should Take This Test?

This scan may be appropriate for people with suspected kidney or ureteric stones, unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain, blood in the urine, possible urinary obstruction or suspected bowel obstruction. It may also be used when a clinician needs to identify calcification or review selected abdominal and pelvic structures without contrast.

The test should be performed on medical advice because it uses ionising radiation. Ultrasound or MRI may be preferred for some patients, particularly children, pregnant individuals and people requiring repeated imaging. The doctor and radiologist determine whether a plain CT, contrast-enhanced CT or another examination is most appropriate.

Detailed Information

During the procedure, the patient lies on a motorised table that passes through the circular CT scanner. The technologist positions the patient and performs a planning image before acquiring the main scan. The examination is painless, but the patient must remain still and may be asked to hold their breath briefly to reduce motion.

CT images are reconstructed in axial, coronal and sagittal planes. This allows the radiologist to examine the abdomen and pelvis from different directions. The report describes relevant findings, their location and whether further evaluation is recommended.

A plain CT can detect most urinary stones and show whether they are causing swelling of the kidney or ureter. It may demonstrate bowel obstruction through dilated bowel loops and abnormal gas patterns. Calcified gallstones can be visible, but many gallstones are better detected with ultrasound. Similarly, some liver, pancreatic, kidney and pelvic lesions cannot be fully characterised without contrast.

CT uses ionising radiation. The radiation dose depends on patient size, scan length, scanner technology and protocol. Modern equipment uses dose-optimisation methods, but unnecessary repeat examinations should still be avoided. The expected diagnostic benefit should outweigh the radiation risk.

A normal plain CT does not exclude every cause of abdominal or pelvic symptoms. Early inflammation, small mucosal lesions, vascular problems and some tumours may not be clearly visible without contrast or dedicated testing. Depending on the findings, the doctor may recommend ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, endoscopy, colonoscopy, urine testing, blood tests or specialist consultation.