CT Scan with Contrast Side Effects

One is required to undergo a CT scan to diagnose medical problems within the bones, organs, soft tissues and blood vessels that are hard to imagine using conventional diagnostic methods. But, what is CT scan with contrast? CT Scan with contrast, also called CAT scan, is a noninvasive medical test. It is used to produce multiple images of the internal body organs to diagnose cancer, cardiovascular disease, trauma, musculoskeletal disorders, etc. Contrast agents, also called dyes are used to highlight the organs, blood vessels, tissues, etc. As these dyes are injected or administered within the body it may sometimes lead to side effects. If a patient is advised to undergo this diagnostic test, it is important to know all about the side effects. There can be mild to severe side effects associated with CT scan with contrast. In the following paragraphs, we shall understand more about this procedure and the side effects related to it.

Types of Contrast Used

There are four most commonly used contrast agents or dyes that include:

• Iodine
• Barium
• Barium sulfate
• Gastrografin

Methods of Administering Contrast

The contrast agents are administered using different methods into the body of the patient. There are three ways through which a contrast is administered. I won't go into the details of each method but explain each one of them in short:

• Intravenous CT Scan Contrast: Intravenous contrast is injected into the body to highlight the tissues such as brain, spine, liver and kidneys. Iodine contrast agent is mostly used for intravenous injection.
• Oral CT Scan Contrast: One needs to drink the oral CT scan contrast to highlight images of the abdomen and pelvis region. There are two types of contrasts used barium sulfate, the most commonly used agent for CT. Gastrografin is the second contrast that is sometimes used as a substitute for barium.
• Rectal CT Contrast: The rectal CT contrast is administered using an enema to enhance the images of the large intestine and lower gastrointestinal organs. The contrasts used are same as oral contrast agents, barium sulfate and Gastrografin.

Side Effects of CT Scan with Contrast

Now that you know the different contrast agents and the modes of their administration, we shall move on to the side effects. Although considered to be a safe and harmless diagnostic process, there are a few side effects of CT scan with contrast. It is always wise to know about these effects in order to seek immediate medical help if the need arises.

Iodine is the choice of contrast to be injected intravenously. It is said to be the safest contrast agent that does not cause serious side effects. One of the most commonly observed side effects of iodine includes warm or flushed feeling when one is injected with the contrast. A patient may feel metallic taste in their mouth that lasts for about a minute or so. A few patients may also develop mild itching around the body. This itching lasts for about a few minutes to few hours after begin injected with the contrast solution. A patient maybe injected with medications that help resolve the persistent itching. In extremely rare cases, one may suffer from serious allergic reactions like breathing difficulty, swelling of throat and other parts of the body. If one experiences an allergic reaction, one should contact the hospital ER immediately. Barium and Gastrografin contrasts are also considered to be safe and harmless. Side effects, if any, due to oral and rectal CT scan may include constipation and minor headache.

One should be prepared to experience side effects such as headache, fatigue, weakness, etc after undergoing a CT scan with contrast. It is also important to watch out for serious side effects like hives, rash, shortness of breath, etc.

Speak to your doctor regarding all the procedural details, possible side effects and precautions you need to take before undergoing a CT scan. Also, make sure you inform the doctor about any of your existing medical conditions like diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, etc. Hope, the above information has helped answer some of your doubts regarding CT can with contrast side effects to some extent.