CT scan of the liver

CT of the liver is a fast and informative method of examination, which allows to visualize the organ and diagnose structural diseases. At Oxford Medical, CT is performed on an expert-class device – Siemens Somatom Go.UP. It provides 64-slice scanning of the body with a step of 0.7 mm with minimal radiation exposure.

The study is performed to confirm or refute these diagnoses, as well as to determine the localization and stage of the pathological process.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend an additional CT scan of the spleen and pancreas. Such a comprehensive examination is prescribed if there is suspicion of damage to several organs, abdominal injuries, or the need to clarify the spread of the pathological process.

Before the examination, the patient is asked to remove metal objects. During the procedure, he lies down on a special couch that moves through the tomograph ring. Depending on the indications, a CT scan of the liver with contrast may be performed, when a contrast agent is injected intravenously for clear visualization of vessels and tissues. If necessary, a CT scan of the spleen and pancreas is performed simultaneously. The scan lasts several minutes and is accompanied by minimal radiation exposure.

At Oxford Medical, a CT scan of the liver is performed on an expert-level device - Siemens Somatom Go.UP. It provides 64-slice scanning of the body with a step of 0.7 mm with minimal radiation exposure. The description of the images is carried out by highly qualified diagnosticians with many years of experience.

Computed tomography of the liver with contrast is intended for a more accurate assessment of the structure of the organ, detection of neoplasms, differentiation of cysts, hemangiomas, adenomas and other pathologies. Thanks to contrast, small vessels, focal lesions and metastases are visualized. CT of the liver with contrast in Kiev at the Oxford Medical clinic helps to detect even minor changes in the early stages of the disease.

A few days before the CT scan of the liver, it is recommended to exclude foods that contribute to flatulence from the diet. Dinner on the eve of the study should also be light. This is necessary so that the intestines are as free as possible and do not interfere with the examination of the liver.

If a CT scan of the liver with contrast is performed, then you should not eat anything for 6 hours before the study. It is also possible to conduct preliminary blood tests, ECG and other examinations.

CT is a painless examination that uses X-rays. It only takes a few minutes.

During the examination, the patient lies on the scanner bed or stands up. After that, the specialist goes to an adjacent room and turns on the device. Communication is maintained via a speakerphone.

After the scan, the doctor carefully examines the images and gives the patient a consultation report.

In some cases, a CT scan of the liver is performed using a contrast agent, which is administered intravenously. It allows for better visualization of pathological areas.

There are very few contraindications to CT. It is not performed in the presence of metal implants and in the patient's serious condition.

If the study is performed using a contrast agent, the number of contraindications increases.

It is not recommended for:

• renal failure;
• liver failure;
• decompensated diabetes mellitus;
• allergy to iodine or other components of the contrast agent;
• acute diseases.

If there are any diseases, the specialist individually decides whether the study can be performed.

At Oxford Medical, CT scans are interpreted by specialists with many years of experience. When forming a conclusion, the doctor sequentially examines all areas of the organ and checks for abnormalities.

The following indicators are included in the normal variant:

• liver tissues are denser than other organs;
• hepatic and bile ducts are less dense;
• the portal vein is well visualized;
• vessels are round or linear;
• the gallbladder is round and has low tissue density.

Pathological changes are considered to be:

• increase in liver volume;
• dilation of bile ducts;
• visualization of low-density tissue areas in the liver;
• formation of hypoechoic zones with pronounced contours.

Taking into account all the features of the liver, the specialist makes a probable diagnosis.

Most liver diseases can be diagnosed using CT scans.

The most common are:

• hepatitis;
• cirrhosis;
• gallstone disease;
• liver abscess;
• neoplasms, etc.

To confirm the diagnosis, the patient may need laboratory tests and other examinations.

The prices for liver CT scans may vary. The cost depends on whether the examination is performed with or without contrast enhancement. Liver CT scans with contrast are more expensive because they require the use of a special preparation and are a more complex procedure.

You can find out about the prices for liver CT scans at «Oxford Medical» here.

The examination is performed on an expert-class Siemens Somatom Go.UP tomograph. It provides 64-slice scanning of the liver with a step of 0.7 mm with minimal radiation exposure. Thanks to the high quality of the images, the device allows you to diagnose pathological changes and neoplasms from 1 mm in size.