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Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) is a quick and sensitive examination for imaging the abdominal organs. It is used primarily in the case of suspicion of neoplastic changes such as colorectal cancer, kidney tumor or liver cancer. If you have just received an abdominal CT result and you do not know what it means, I invite you to read this article.
The aim of the article is to present the most common terms used in the descriptions of research results and at the same time cause many difficulties in understanding to people who are not professionally related to the medical environment.
Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity – indications
Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity will allow to visualize such organs as:
- liver,
- spleen,
- pancreas,
- bowels,
- bladder.
The main indication for performing a CT scan is the suspicion of cancer in the above-mentioned organs.
Abdominal computed tomography – what do you need to know?
Selected terms used in the description of CT of the abdominal cavity
- Hypodense area in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
Which means: it is an area with a lower X-ray absorption coefficient compared to the surroundings, in the CT image it is darker than the surrounding area.
Interpretation: the most common are solid neoplastic lesions, such as cancers, benign tumors, but also hemangiomas, cysts and abscesses.
- Hyperdense area in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
Which means: it is an area with a higher X-ray absorption coefficient in relation to the surroundings, in the CT image it is brighter than the surrounding area.
Interpretation: often these are calcified changes, eg calcified lymph nodes, calcium deposits in the arteries, deposits in the urinary and bile ducts, and neoplasms, eg osteomas. Freshly extravasated blood (hematomas) is also hyperdense.
- Abbreviations: npl, ca in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
What they mean: These are abbreviations that are often used when a malignancy is suspected.
- Organ infiltration in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
Which means: the spread of a malignant tumor to neighboring organs.
Interpretation: indicates an advanced stage of the tumor, significantly worsens the prognosis.
- Liver with a reduced weakness factor in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
Which means: it most often indicates fatty liver.
Interpretation: may be due to a diet or medication inadequate.
Fatty liver – a disease not only drinkers
- Focal change in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
What it means: a single change detected in the examination, it may be a solid tumor or a cyst, among others.
Interpretation: is a very general statement, it may indicate a malignant as well as a benign lesion.
- Enlarged lymph nodes in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
What they mean: most often in the description you can find the term “reactive” lymph nodes – it means that most likely lymphadenopathy has occurred as a result of the ongoing inflammatory process. Another cause of lymphadenopathy is metastatic cancer cells.
Find out what the enlarged lymph nodes mean
- Dilated abdominal aorta on computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
Which means: most often it means an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Interpretation: Requires urgent surgical consultation.
Who is at risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- Dilated bile ducts in abdominal computed tomography
Interpretation: the enlargement may affect both the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts, due to bile duct neoplasms, chronic inflammation or cholelithiasis.
Read more about cancer of the bile ducts
- Widened Wirsung duct in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
Which means: the Wirsung duct is the main pancreatic duct. Its role is to transport digestive enzymes to the duodenum.
Interpretation: causes of widening of the Wirsung duct include chronic or acute pancreatitis and ductal gallstone disease.
Find out how acute pancreatitis manifests itself
- Distended intestinal loops on computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
What they mean: dilated intestinal loops due to the accumulation of intestinal contents and gas.
Interpretation: May indicate an obstacle (e.g. cancer) obstructing the passage of the intestinal contents.
- Kidneys with uneven contours on computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
What they mean: indicate past inflammation.
Interpretation: a picture often found in chronic pyelonephritis.
Learn more about the types of nephritis
- Pancreas with heterogeneous structure in computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
Which means: a disturbed architecture of the pancreatic parenchyma.
Interpretation: may suggest a congenital change as well as a proliferative process.
The terms most frequently used in CT are: focal lesion and organ infiltration. They can apply to any organ in the abdominal cavity.
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