Cysticircosis

[AAA980107]

3 years ago I had a CT scan and they found 2 cyst already calcified. I was told by my Primary Dr to not do anything since they were already dead. I have started lately with dizziness and a little headaches. I went to my PD today and he ordered me a CT scan with contrast. I m diabetic and using metformin, but I red that are risks of kidney failure with the contrast if my kidneys are not working fine. My PD forgot that I was using metformin till I told him and told me to stop the medication for 2 weeks before the scan. If my kidney results comes with normal level of creatinine is it safe to do the contrast? Can a MRI without the contrast reveal any more than just a CT scan. I would rather pay for the MRI than CT scan with contrast. I do not have insurance but I am paying out my pocket all procedures.

Thank you for your answer.

[AAA980107]

Hello Dr; My blood sugar is under control, my blood pressure was 114/79 at the Dr office. I have stopped using metformin and I will ask the doctor to get me a MRI instead of the CT scan. I do not want to risk my kidneys. My dad used to get Dialysis 3/week he was not a diabetic he had high blood pressure for so many years and that's what demage his kidneys. Now that I stopped the metformin dizzines is a lot less and my headaches are almost gone.

Thank you much!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Dizziness and mild headache can be due to raised blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, weakness and fatigue. Is your blood sugar adequately controlled?
An MRI is definitely superior to a CT scan although it is a little more expensive. Also MRI is not harmful to the body because it does not use ionizing radiation unlike a CT scan. Please make sure your blood sugar levels are adequately controlled incase you stop taking metformin for the purpose of CT scan.