The evaluation of the CT abdomen

The CT images are evaluated by a radiologist who has been informed of the reason for the examination by the attending physician (e.g. abdominal pain of unclear origin). The radiologist then assesses the images with regard to the patient’s symptoms. Often a possible cause can be found quickly, e.g. stones in the gall bladder or kidney.

The evaluation is then discussed again with the treating physician and the further procedure and possible therapies are clarified with the patient. The radiologist who carries out the evaluation of the CT images usually receives them in digital format. The images can then be continuously reviewed on the screen as if one were working one’s way through the body from top to bottom.

The extension and position of the individual internal organs can be assessed. For example, a malformation of organs can be displayed very well. In addition, the structure and density of the organs can be determined on the basis of the different grey levels.

This is very important for tumours, for example. These often have a different structure than the surrounding tissue and are conspicuous by different shades of grey. The same applies to stones, which are often found in the urinary tract. These are often conspicuous as clearly visible white spots. Air or fluid at the wrong places in the body is also noticed early.

Risks of computer tomography

The CT in general produces a higher radiation exposure than a conventional X-ray examination. Radiation-sensitive organs, such as the stomach or ovaries in women, are particularly located in the abdominal and pelvic area. It is therefore important to ensure that CT examinations, especially the CT abdomen examination, are only carried out when it is appropriate and necessary.

CT examinations should be used sparingly, especially for children, for whom radiation is more dangerous than for elderly people. Nevertheless, the risks of CT should not be put above the benefits. Especially in emergency situations, such an examination is absolutely helpful and can save the patient’s life by quickly identifying potentially life-threatening conditions.

The radiation exposure of humans is usually given in Sievert, or milli-Sievert (mSv). For comparison, the radiation to which a person is naturally exposed in a year, e.g. by cosmic radiation, is given as approx. 2-2.4mSv.

The CT-abdomen examination is one of the more radiation-intensive examinations. On average, a person is exposed to about 10 to a maximum of 20mSv. However, this value cannot be compared completely with the above, as the natural radiation affects the entire body, whereas the CT examination only exposes a small part of the body to additional radiation. You can find detailed information under radiation exposure during computed tomography.