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CT Scan

I recently had a ct scan of the abdomen and pelvis for blood in the urine.  The only things it mentioned were mild thickening of the bladder, and segmental thickening of the colon (especially rectosigmoid).  The "impression" of both stated that they may be due to incomplete distension.  My urologist said he wasn't concerned with the bladder remark, as he had already done a scope to check my bladder.  He said the colon thickening was probably nothing, but I could follow up with my primary care physician or someone if I wanted.  Please note that I'm a white 32 year old male in excellent health.  Can you please answer the following questions...

1. Is it common for the colon to show thickening on a ct scan that is possibly due to incomplete distension?
2. What exactly does the incomplete distension mean?
3. Do you think I should pursue any further testing?

Thanks
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Avatar universal
Hi,

The answer depends on the intent of the scan. IF the scan was interested in the bladder only, then evaluation of the bowel would be difficult. A thorough evaluation of the bowel would include an enema (did you get one?), which would essentially render the bowel opaque. In the absence of the enema or impaction of stool, the bowels would appear collapsed (it is now easy to imagine how the wall may appear thick in the scan) due to the absence of adequate distention.
If the complaint was blood in the urine, the bleeding is not likely coming from the bowel. You could talk about other causes of bleeding such as kidney stones or infection (which was likely considered due to the treatment you received around the time of the scan. Stay positive.  
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Avatar universal
Forgot to mention... I was on my 8th day of sulfameth/trimethoprim antibiotic when I had the scan done.
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