Computer tomography side effects
Computer tomography itself has no acute side effects. However, it is not uncommon for a contrast medium to be administered (intravenously) via the vein during the examination to improve the assessment of certain body structures. This can have various side effects.
On the one hand, an allergic reaction can develop, which may include discomfort, sweating, itching and nausea. Such an allergic reaction can in rare cases lead to a circulatory shock due to anaphylaxis, so the patient should report immediately if he/she experiences such symptoms. It is also essential to indicate before a CT scan if such an allergic reaction to contrast medium has occurred before.
A further side effect of the contrast medium can be the triggering of hyperthyroidism. This is because the contrast medium used for computer tomography contains a lot of iodine. Therefore, a certain thyroid gland value (TSH) must always be checked before a CT examination.
If the value is abnormal, a contrast medium CT must not be performed without prior treatment or prophylaxis. Even a clearly restricted kidney function can be a contraindication for a contrast medium CT, as the contrast medium can critically increase the functional disorder of the kidney. Therefore, before a planned KM-CT, a kidney value (creatinine) is always checked in addition to the thyroid gland value. In addition, the potential risk associated with radiation exposure must always be weighed individually for computer tomography.
Computer tomography costs
According to the (), each examination has a certain point value, which in turn is used to calculate an amount for the respective examination, which the doctor can claim with this examination. These values are listed here for the costs of computer tomography. It should be noted that these values refer to the technical examination alone and not to a consultation. According to the, a CT of the head costs 116.57 Euros, a CT of the abdomen (abdomen-CT) costs 151.55 Euros, a CT of the chest (thorax-CT) costs 134.06 Euros according to the.
Computed tomography Duration
The total duration of an examination using computed tomography depends on the body region to be examined and also on whether contrast medium is applied or not. The examination usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes. In some cases, computed tomography is the most informative examination method. However, if there are compelling reasons not to perform computed tomography (see contraindications), the following examination methods may be alternatives. – the X-ray image
- The MRT (magnetic resonance imaging)
- The ultrasonic examination (sonography)
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