[Indications for spiral-CT in the upper abdomen and the retroperitoneum]

Spiral CT allows the continuous scanning of different organ volumes. This series illustrates our experiences gained with spiral CT technique imaging of the upper abdomen and retroperitoneal space in about 150 patients. The scanning parameters were 120 kvp, 165 mA with a slice thickness of 8 mm and a table speed of 8 mm/s. The total scanning time was 32 s. If required, a non-ionic iodinated contrast medium was administered via a medial cubital vein or the upper mesenteric artery by performing an arterial portography. CT during arterial portography for preoperative detection and localization of focal liver lesions, staging of renal cell carcinoma, and imaging of pancreatic disease are at present the main indications for using the spiral CT technique. Furthermore, it is the method of choice for scanning uncooperative patients.