Computed tomography of the adrenal glands
Adrenal CT Scan in Casablanca
An adrenal CT scan studies these two small glands located above the kidneys, which produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone or adrenaline. It is often requested to characterize an adrenal nodule, that is, to determine its likely nature, or to look for the cause of a hormonal disorder. The exam combines images without injection, which measure the density of the nodule, then most often images after an injection of iodinated contrast agent, including a delayed series.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Allow generally 20 to 30 minutes for the complete exam, because of the wait before the delayed series.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Revolution
When is this exam needed?
- Adrenal nodule discovered by chance on another exam (incidentaloma).
- High blood pressure with a hormonal abnormality, for example excess aldosterone.
- Laboratory signs of excess cortisol (Cushing's syndrome).
- Suspected pheochromocytoma (a tumor that secretes adrenaline), after hormone tests.
- Monitoring of an adrenal nodule that is already known.
- Assessment of the adrenal glands as part of the workup of certain cancers.
How the exam is done
You are positioned on your back, with your arms above your head. A first series without contrast agent is taken of the upper abdomen: it measures the density of the nodule, a value that indicates its fat content. Depending on this result, the radiologist decides whether or not to continue with the injection.
If it is needed, the iodinated contrast agent is injected through the catheter placed in your arm, and a series is taken about one minute later. You then wait, on the table or nearby, generally for about fifteen minutes, before a last series called the delayed series. Comparing the series shows how quickly the nodule clears the contrast agent (this is called washout). Each series requires you to hold your breath briefly.
Preparation
- Bring the results of your hormone tests (blood and urine): they guide the protocol.
- Continue your blood pressure treatments, unless the prescribing doctor advises otherwise.
- Wear clothing without metal around the waist.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
The iodinated contrast agent is injected into a vein in the arm when the series without injection is not enough to reach a conclusion. It is therefore not always used: a fat-rich nodule can be characterized without it.
Contraindications and precautions
- Previous reaction to an iodinated contrast agent: tell us when you book; a preparation or another exam may be offered.
- Diabetes treated with metformin, or kidney disease: please tell us. Depending on your kidney function, the radiologist will tell you whether metformin should be paused after the injection. Bring a recent creatinine test if you are asked to.
- Thyroid disorder, to be mentioned before the iodine injection.
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us before the exam. A CT scan uses X-rays: it is performed during pregnancy only if it is essential.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after an iodinated contrast injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the referring doctor
- Results of hormone tests and recent blood work
- CT scan or MRI that revealed the nodule, with its report
- Recent creatinine test
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of an adrenal CT scan varies depending on whether an iodinated contrast injection is added, which is done only when the exam without injection is not enough to reach a conclusion.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why a delayed series of images?
Adenomas, the most common benign nodules of the adrenal gland, generally clear the contrast agent quickly. Comparing the early series with the delayed series makes it possible to calculate this washout. This calculation helps the radiologist point toward a probably benign nodule or suggest an additional exam.
Is an adrenal nodule serious?
Most often, it is a benign adenoma, discovered by chance. The CT scan helps characterize it, but the interpretation is always made together with the hormone tests. Your doctor, often an endocrinologist, explains the next steps to you: simple monitoring, treatment or an additional exam.
Should I stop my blood pressure medication?
For the CT scan itself, no: you can take your treatments as usual. However, some medications affect the hormone tests performed around the time of the exam. Any change must be decided by the doctor who manages your high blood pressure, never on your own.
Does an adrenal CT scan replace an MRI?
Both exams can characterize an adrenal nodule. The CT scan is often done first; MRI may be offered in addition, or when X-rays are to be avoided. The choice is up to the prescribing doctor and the radiologist.
Adrenal CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of an adrenal CT scan varies depending on whether an iodinated contrast injection is added, which is done only when the exam without injection is not enough to reach a conclusion. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.