Centres/Radiology/CT scan/CT enterography

CT enterography (CT of the small bowel)

CT enterography in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

CT enterography in Tunis: CT scan of the small bowel after a contrast drink, for Crohn's disease, digestive bleeding or a small bowel tumour.

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What is it?

The small bowel is the long part of the intestine between the stomach and the colon. It is difficult to examine with an endoscope because it is very long and folded. CT enterography is a CT scan of the abdomen performed after drinking a large amount of water or a special solution: the liquid opens out the bowel loops so the bowel wall can be seen. An iodinated contrast injection is given during the examination. It is requested by the gastroenterologist, particularly for Crohn's disease (assessment and follow-up), digestive bleeding whose source has not been found by endoscopy, or to look for a tumour or narrowing of the small bowel.

When is it indicated?

Crohn's disease

It shows inflamed areas of bowel, a narrowing or a complication, and helps monitor treatment.

Unexplained digestive bleeding

When endoscopy has not found the source, it looks for a lesion of the small bowel.

Small bowel tumour or narrowing

It looks for a mass or blockage that could explain pain or vomiting.

Preparation

1Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be: a CT scan uses X-rays

2Do not eat for a few hours before the examination, as instructed when you book

3On site, drink a large amount of water or solution, steadily, during the hour before the examination

4If an injection is planned, tell us about any allergy (especially to an iodinated contrast agent), kidney disease, diabetes or myeloma; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested

5Tell us if you take metformin (a diabetes treatment): whether to pause it around the injection is decided by the doctor

6Bring your referral, previous imaging (CT scan, MRI, X-rays, ultrasound) and any relevant reports

Procedure

You drink the solution in small amounts, steadily, during the hour before

You remove clothing and metal objects from the area to be examined; a gown may be provided

You lie on your back; a medicine that slows bowel movement may be injected, according to medical advice

If an injection is needed, the iodinated contrast agent is given through a small drip in your arm: a brief feeling of warmth and a metallic taste are normal

You are given breathing instructions (breathe in, hold your breath for a few seconds); you need to keep still during each pass

After the examination, looser stools are common during the day; drink plenty of fluids

Duration

About 1 hour in total, including drinking time; the pass itself only takes a few minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

A CT scan uses X-rays: the dose is set as low as possible while still giving useful images, and the examination is only done when it is justified

Pregnancy: a relative contraindication; a CT scan is only performed if it is essential, after medical advice

Allergic reaction to the iodinated contrast agent (if injected): rare and usually mild (redness, itching); serious reactions are exceptional and the team is trained to manage them

In case of kidney failure, the iodinated injection can strain the kidneys: the doctor avoids or adjusts it

Temporary bloating, nausea or loose stools caused by the drink

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.