Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
CT Abdominal Tomography Indications: Are We All Sticking to the Plan?
Michael Pyper1,2, Abdulwahab Sidiqi1, Patrik Rogalla1
1Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Objective:
Ultra-low radiation dose computed tomography (CT) abdominal tomography was introduced in our institution in 2016 to replace standard abdominal radiography in the investigation of emergency department patients. This project aims to ascertain whether investigation of emergency department patients using ultra-low radiation dose CT abdominal tomography complies with original indication guidelines and/or if there has been any "indication creep" 3 years after inception.
Methods:
Retrospective, quality assurance project with research ethics waiver. A review of 200 consecutive patients investigated with CT abdominal tomography between February and May 2017 was performed. This was compared with 200 consecutive patients investigated between February and May 2019. Data analyzed included patient demographics, indication for scan, as well as scan and patient outcomes.
Results:
In the 2017 group, 29/200 scans were noncompliant with approved indication guidelines. In the 2019 group, 30/200 scans were also noncompliant. There was no statistically significant difference between groups (P < .05) regarding the use of approved indications. Forty of 200 scans performed in 2017 revealed additional findings which are not specifically addressed on the reporting template. Forty-one of 200 scans in 2019 revealed these findings.
Conclusions:
There has been no "indication creep" for CT abdominal tomography over time.
More Related Videos
05:50Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
07:12Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT