Pelvic CT

The pelvis is composed of three bones arranged in a ring: the ilium; which is formed in the shape of a wing, rising on each side of the pelvis, the ischium; which forms the middle portion of the pelvis, and the pubis; the bone at the base of the pelvic structure.

The pelvis is connected to the skeleton of the upper body by the sacroiliac joint. The sacrum and the coccyx are the bottom portion of the spine that makes a connection to the pelvis.

The pelvis protects the lower organs of the abdomen, renal and intestinal tracts. Also important, is the rigid and supportive structure of the pelvis, is essential for the ability of the body to move dynamically through the legs.

Simple pelvis anatomy:

Cont…

CT completely eliminates the overlapping of structures outside the area of interest, that enhance the demonstration of fractures.

Because of the high-contrast resolution of CT, differences between tissues can be distinguished to differentiate between tissues – tumors, fluids, bone fragments… -.

Scan can be viewed as images in the axial, coronal, or sagittal planes, this is referred to as multiplanar reformatted imaging for better evaluation of fractures or trauma.

The radiation dose for a CT scan is higher than other modalities but it depends on multiple factors: volume scanned, patient size, number and type of scan sequences, tube current and the pitch.

Advantages of CT Pelvis OVER traditional X-Ray:

Pelvic fracture, trauma. Pelvic bone tumors. Hematoma. Suspected hemorrhage. Pelvic vein thrombosis.  Suspected septic arthritis, osteomyelitis of

pelvic bones or sacroileitis.   Pelvic inflammatory disease/abscess. Congenital anomalies e.g. CHD. Staging of urinary bladder, prostate or rectal

cancer.

Indications for pelvic CT Scan include:

Diagnose and monitor cancer Diagnose the cause of pelvic pain Evaluate after trauma to the pelvis Evaluate a pelvic mass found during a physical

exam Guide a surgeon to the right area during a

biopsy or other procedures Help the health care provider plan for and

evaluate the results of surgery Plan and deliver radiation treatment for cancer

If you have allergies to iodine, any medications, or food (such as shrimp, lobster or other shellfish).  If there is a risk of your having an allergic or asthmatic reaction, you may need to take a medication before the scan to prevent a reaction.  Discuss this with your doctor.

About any previous reactions you have had to contrast media injections.

What medications you are currently taking. If you have asthma, kidney problems, and/or a history of cancer. If you are a female of childbearing age - Inform the scheduler of

the date of your last menstrual cycle and whether there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

If you have diabetes – It is important that your CT scan is scheduled for early in the morning, between 7:30 and 9:00 am, if possible.

When you schedule your CT scan, the person scheduling the scan needs to know:

The Scanning Process:Scout Images:

1) PA: plane 180º, 120 KV, 10 mA and without voice light times instructions.

2) LAT: plane 90º, 120 KV, 10 mA and without voice light times instructions.

Cont…

obstructed rectum due to rectal cancer

pessary

dilated uterus due to cervical stenosis

dilated uterus due to cervical stenosis