Computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan in Casablanca
A chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan, often abbreviated TAP, examines in a single acquisition the chest (lungs, mediastinum), the abdomen (liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, intestine) and the pelvis. Depending on the prescription, it can be extended to the neck: it is then called a neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan. Most often performed with an injection of iodinated contrast agent, it provides an overall view of the trunk. It is widely used to assess a disease, in particular a cancer, and to monitor how it evolves.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam generally takes 10 to 15 minutes; the acquisition over the whole trunk takes only a few seconds.
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?
- Staging of a cancer (assessment of its spread) at the time of diagnosis.
- Assessment of the effect of a treatment (chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy), then monitoring.
- Assessment of a lymphoma or of enlarged lymph nodes, with extension to the neck if necessary.
- Prolonged fever with no cause found, to look for a source of infection.
- Unexplained weight loss or severe fatigue.
- Major trauma affecting several regions of the body.
How the exam is done
After checking your medical history, the radiographer places a catheter in a vein in your arm. Depending on the protocol, you may also be asked to drink water or a contrast agent so that the stomach and the intestine can be clearly identified. You are positioned on your back, with your arms raised above your head so that they do not interfere with the images of the trunk.
The table moves through the ring while the machine acquires images from the top of the chest to the bottom of the pelvis, or from the neck if the exam is extended. The injection of iodinated contrast agent often causes a brief hot flush. You are asked to hold your breath for about ten seconds, following the voice instructions. Sometimes a second series is taken shortly afterwards to study certain organs better.
Preparation
- Gather your previous CT scans and their reports, which are essential for comparison during follow-up.
- For cancer follow-up, write down the dates and types of the treatments you have received.
- Remove underwire bras, necklaces and metal objects on the trunk.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
An injection of iodinated contrast agent into a vein in the arm is given in most cases, because it makes the organs, the blood vessels and the lymph nodes stand out. A contrast agent to drink may be added to mark the digestive tract.
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.
- Ongoing chemotherapy: tell us before the injection.
- Thyroid disease or planned radioactive iodine treatment: mention it before the 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
- Previous CT scans, PET-CT scans or MRIs with their reports
- Recent creatinine test
- Summary of the treatments received, for cancer follow-up
- Implantable port card, if applicable
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan varies with the extent, with or without the neck, and with the iodinated contrast injection given in most cases.
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 compare with my previous CT scans?
During follow-up, the radiologist measures how the lesions have changed compared with previous exams. Without these images, the radiologist can describe only the current state. So bring the CDs, USB drives or online access, as well as the reports, even if the exams were done elsewhere.
What does extending the exam to the neck add?
Some cancers or lymphomas can affect the lymph nodes of the neck. When the prescribing doctor requests it, the acquisition starts higher up to include the neck region in the same exam. This avoids a second scan and a second injection.
Are repeated CT scans during follow-up a problem?
Each CT scan is prescribed because its benefit for your care outweighs the exposure. The settings are adapted to your build and to the indication, and the monitoring schedule is set by your doctor. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about it if you have questions.
I have an implantable port: can it be used for the injection?
Mention it as soon as you arrive. Some implantable ports can handle rapid injection with the automatic injector, others cannot: it depends on the model. The radiographer checks your port card; otherwise, the injection is most often given through a vein in the arm.
Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan varies with the extent, with or without the neck, and with the iodinated contrast injection given in most cases. 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.