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Interventional Cardiology (Expert Forum)
CT Scan of chest question
Answered by
Darcy Green Conaway, MD - General Cardiology, Echocardiology
Truman Medical Center
Questions in the Interventional Cardiology forum are answered by medical professionals affiliated with the Truman Medical Center. Topics covered include acute coronary syndrome, angina , atrial fibrillation , cardiac catheterization , cardiomyopathy , drug abuse & cardiac disease, echocardiography , heart failure , hypertension & heart disease , lipid management , minorities and heart disease, peripheral vascular disease prevention, valvular heart disease , women’s heart health, and the warning signs of a heart attack.
CT Scan of chest question
by MKDenham, Feb 09, 2008 04:18PM
Is there such a thing as "too much contrast" when a CT Scan of the chest is done? I'm asking because when I had one done in June, the nurse who was with me (I was on a constant heart monitor and had to have a nurse with me if I left the ward) said he was disgusted that the technician had injected so much contrast flui into me, and that the technician had seemed like she was too rushed and injected too much by accident.
Would more contrast show a different result to the right amount? Would it be more beneficial for the diagnosis, or would it not make any difference?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Would more contrast show a different result to the right amount? Would it be more beneficial for the diagnosis, or would it not make any difference?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Doctor's Answer
by Darcy Green Conaway, MD, Feb 10, 2008 10:32AM
, Feb 10, 2008 10:32AM
The main issue with receiving too much contrast is that it can damage your kidneys-- usually it is transient and resolves but can be a problem, especially if your kidneys were not normal before the test. Usually the technicians won't proceed with a CT without making sure your kidney function is normal. More contrast won't necessarily change the result, it is just an unnecessary risk.
