Benefits and Risks – CT Enterography

Benefits

• CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
• A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
• Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
• CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
• CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
• Compared to other imaging procedures of the small intestine, CT enterography is able to visualize the entire thickness of the bowel wall and to evaluate surrounding soft tissues. The other examinations, some of which are invasive, are only able to image the inner lining of the small intestine.
• CT enterography may eliminate the need for video capsule endoscopy (VCE) and the potential complications of that procedure.
• CT enterography allows other organs in the abdomen to be seen.
• CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
• CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device unlike MRI.
• Advancements in CT technology now allow CT enterography to be performed with even lower radiation doses
• No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
• X-rays used in standard CT scans have no immediate side effects.

Risks

• There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis will generally outweigh the risk.
• Women should always inform their physician and x-ray or CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
• CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the baby.
• The risk of serious allergic reaction to contrast materials that contain iodine is extremely rare, and radiology departments are well-equipped to deal with them.