CT enterography (computed tomography of the small bowel after oral distension)
CT Enterography in Casablanca
CT enterography is a CT scan dedicated to the small bowel, the long part of the intestine located between the stomach and the colon. To see its wall clearly, the bowel must be unfolded: so before the exam you drink a large amount of a liquid that distends it. An iodinated contrast injection completes the exam. It helps look for inflammation, a narrowing or a lesion of the small bowel, and monitor certain chronic bowel diseases.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The drinking time usually lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, then the time on the table is about 10 minutes.
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?
- Assessment or follow-up of Crohn's disease (chronic inflammation of the intestine).
- Search for a complication of this disease: narrowing, fistula or abscess.
- Unexplained digestive bleeding or anemia despite normal endoscopies.
- Repeated abdominal pain suggesting episodes of partial bowel blockage.
- Suspected tumor of the small bowel.
How the exam is done
When you arrive, you are given the distension liquid, most often water mixed with a product that prevents it from being absorbed too quickly. You drink it gradually, in small glasses, for about three quarters of an hour to an hour before going onto the table. A feeling of fullness in the abdomen and gurgling are normal.
You then lie on your back, arms above your head, with a catheter in a vein in your arm. The iodinated contrast agent is injected, then the images are taken during a breath-hold of a few seconds. The catheter is removed shortly afterwards.
Preparation
- Let us know in advance if you have difficulty drinking large amounts or if you vomit frequently.
- Plan to be close to a toilet after the exam: the liquid you drink often causes loose stools.
- Wear comfortable clothing, without a metal belt buckle.
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 most often performed: it highlights the bowel wall and inflamed areas. The liquid you drink before the exam is generally not iodinated; it only serves to distend the bowel.
Contraindications and precautions
- Suspected complete bowel obstruction: drinking may be discouraged, and the radiologist adapts the exam.
- 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 reported 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
- Reports of previous endoscopies, MR enterography or CT scans
- Recent creatinine test
- List of your treatments, especially those for Crohn's disease and diabetes
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of CT enterography takes into account the extent of the area examined (bowel and abdomen) and the iodinated contrast injection, which is most often performed.
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 do I have to drink so much liquid?
At rest, the small bowel is folded on itself and its walls touch. The liquid fills it and opens it up, like a hose being inflated. Its wall can then be analyzed along its whole length, which helps detect a thickening or a narrowing that would go unnoticed in an empty bowel.
Does the liquid have effects after the exam?
It is poorly absorbed by the intestine, which often causes loose stools or temporary diarrhea in the following hours. This is expected and stops on its own. Drink water to compensate, and see a doctor if the diarrhea lasts beyond the day or comes with fever.
What is the difference from MR enterography?
Both exams study the small bowel after drinking a distension liquid. MR enterography does not use X-rays, which is why it is often preferred for young patients who are followed regularly. CT enterography is faster and may be chosen when MRI is contraindicated or depending on the question asked.
What if I cannot drink all the liquid?
Drink at your own pace and let the team know if you feel nauseous. A slightly smaller amount often still allows the exam to be done: the radiologist judges whether the distension obtained is sufficient. Do not force yourself to the point of vomiting, as this would make the exam more difficult.
CT Enterography in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of CT enterography takes into account the extent of the area examined (bowel and abdomen) and the iodinated contrast injection, which is most often performed. 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.