CT Liver Angio Tri Phase

In a CT Liver Angio Tri Phase scan, a series of X-ray images are taken at different angles around your body. The three phases – arterial, venous, and delayed – occur at various times after the contrast medium is injected. These three phases provide detailed images of the blood flow within the liver, helping to identify any abnormalities.

The 'Tri Phase' refers to the three different stages of the scan. The arterial phase provides images of the arteries supplying the liver. The venous phase provides images of the liver veins, and the delayed phase gives additional information on how the contrast medium is being processed by the liver. Each phase provides unique and valuable information.

The major difference is the timing of the contrast medium injection. In a regular CT scan, the contrast medium is usually injected once, but in a CT Liver Angio Tri Phase scan, the images are captured at three different phases of contrast medium flow, providing more detailed and dynamic information about the liver's blood vessels.

The actual scanning process takes about 10 to 30 minutes. However, considering the preparation time, you should expect to be in the CT department for about an hour.

No, the procedure is not painful. However, you might feel a warm sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth when the contrast medium is injected.

This type of CT scan is especially useful in detecting liver tumors, both benign and malignant. It can also identify liver cirrhosis, hemangiomas, liver cysts, and liver abscesses. In addition, it can assess liver damage after trauma and visualize the blood flow to the liver, which is critical in planning for surgeries or procedures such as a liver transplant.

There's a small risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast medium, and the scan does involve some exposure to radiation. However, the benefits of accurate diagnosis far outweigh these risks.

Yes, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately after the scan unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

The results are typically available within a few days. A radiologist will interpret the images and send a report to your referring doctor, who will discuss the results with you.

If your results are abnormal, your doctor will discuss the findings and potential next steps with you. This could include further tests, referrals to specialists, or starting a treatment plan.

The CT Liver Angio Tri Phase scan plays an indispensable role in the diagnosis and management of various liver conditions. It enables doctors to have a comprehensive understanding of the liver's health, facilitating early detection and treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes. Always make sure to discuss any concerns or queries with your doctor to fully understand the procedure, its benefits, and risks.