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Computed Tomography Enterography

 

What is Computed Tomography Enterography (CTE)?

A Computed Tomography or CT scan creates very clear images of parts of your body that cannot be seen with conventional X-rays. The images are produced by projecting small amounts of X-rays through the part of the body being examined and using a special computer to convert the information into images. CT Enterography (CTE) is an accurate and noninvasive imaging modality to assess and evaluate certain gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s Disease), infectious enteritis, lymphoma or tuberculosis. It also can be used in patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding to determine if the cause of your bleeding is due to a small bowel polyp. Before this procedure, you will drink approximately one liter of a water-like solution over an hour and receive an intravenous injection of contrast medium to help the radiologist better evaluate your small and large bowel.

 

How do you prepare for your CTE scan? 

      ·    Do not eat or drink anything except clear liquids for three hours before the exam.

      ·    Please arrive one hour and 15 minutes before your appointment so that you have time to drink
            the very thin oral contrast. This will help to distend your bowel, permitting better visualization of
            the intestinal tract. 

      ·    Let our staff know what medications you are taking.

      ·    If you could be pregnant, are breast feeding, are allergic to intravenous contrast medium (dye)
            or are diabetic, please notify a member of our staff. 

      ·   If you must cancel or reschedule, please kindly do so at least 24 hours prior to your
           appointment.
 



What should you bring to your procedure?

      ·   Prescription or referral from your physician

      ·   Current list of medications you take

      ·   Insurance cards

      ·   Any previous MRI, CT, small bowel series, or PET/CT scans and reports taken outside our
           network

      ·   Medical history

      ·   Pathology reports, if appropriate and available



What will you experience during your CTE scan?

    Upon Arrival

      ·   You will receive a clear, water-like solution to drink periodically one hour prior to your CT scan. 

      ·   The technologist will interview you to obtain a medical history.

      ·   The technologist will start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.

      ·   A member of our staff will take you to the CT imaging room, and assist you onto the imaging 
           table.
 

     During your CTE scan

      ·   You will be given a contrast material through the IV line and may feel a warm sensation. The
            table will move slowly after each scan and you may hear a whirring noise or beep.

      ·   To get the most precise results, the technologist may ask you to hold your breath for 20 to 30
           seconds.

      ·   Please lie as still as possible to avoid blurring the images.

      ·   The technologist and you will be able to communicate with one another at all times during your
           scan, which lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes.


    After your CTE scan

      ·   Please drink plenty of fluids, especially water, for the next 24 hours to help flush the contrast
           medium from your body.

      ·   The radiologist will review your scans and send the written report to your physician. 

      ·   Urgent findings will be called or faxed to your physician.