Diagnosis of Kidney Disease—CT Scan

What is a CT scan?
CT (Computed tomography ) scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images, both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays. CT scans may also minimize exposure to radiation.
How the CT scan operate?
Diagnosis of Kidney Disease—CT Scan
In standard x-rays, a beam of energy is aimed at the body part being studied. A plate behind the body part captures the variations of the energy beam after it passes through skin, bone, muscle, and other tissue. Although much information can be obtained from a standard x-ray, a lot of detail about internal organs and other structures is not available.
In CT (computed tomography), the x-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ or structure. The x-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the x-ray data and displays it in a two-dimensional (2-D) form on a monitor. Although many images are taken during a CT scan, in some cases the patient receives less radiation exposure than with a single standard x-ray.
CT scans may be done with or without a “contrast agent.” Contrast agent refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an intravenous (IV) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly. Contrast examinations may require you to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure. Your physician will notify you of this requirement.
CT scan for kidney disease
CT scans of the kidneys can provide more detailed information about the kidneys than standard kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB) x-rays, thus providing more information related to injuries and/or diseases of the kidneys. CT scans of the kidneys are useful in the examination of one or both of the kidneys to detect conditions, such as tumors or other lesions; obstructive conditions, such as kidney stones, congenital anomalies, polycystic kidney disease, accumulation of fluid around the kidneys, and the location of abscesses.
Why a CT scan of the kidneys is done?
A CT scan of the kidney may be performed to assess the kidneys for tumors and other lesions, as well as obstructions. The obstructions may include kidney stones, abscesses, polycystic kidney disease, and congenital anomalies.
The CT scan is particularly useful when another type of examination, such as x-rays or physical examination, is not conclusive. CT scans of the kidney may be used to evaluate the retroperitoneum (the back portion of the abdomen behind the peritoneal membrane). CT scans of the kidney may be used to assist in needle placement in kidney biopsies.
After the removal of a kidney, CT scans may be used to locate abnormal masses in the empty space where the kidney once was. CT scans of the kidneys may be performed after kidney transplants to evaluate the size and location of the new kidney in relation to the bladder.
There also may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a CT scan of the kidney.

If you have any questions about kidney disease , you can sent your cases , Our kidney expert will reply as soon as possible . I hope you'll get well soon !