Question 1

what does a ct scan of the brain without contrast show?

Accepted Answer

Some things: CT scan of brain without contrast shows basic anatomy of brain, gray white matter differentiation, ventricles, and physiologic calcifications.Ventricles enlarged/ hydrocephalus, mass effect with displacement of normal structures,  some bleeding,abnormal calcifications in tumors or old subdural hematomas, fractures.CT with contrast  adds  enhancement of certain lesions not seen,hyper/hypo vascular.

Question 2

could a ct scan without contrast show an aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The contrast is to show blood flow. While some aneurysms have wall to wall flow, most are lined by thrombus, with only the central portion of the aneurysm showing flow. The CT scan can show the wall of the vessel, as well as flow. An arteriogram only shows flow.

Question 3

can a ct scan without contrast show a tumor in your bladder?

Accepted Answer

It may: But a contrast enhanced study would be more sensitive.  If concerned, see a urologist for full evaluation and diagnostic work-up.  Best wishes.

Question 4

will a ct scan without contrast show pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer?  or damage to the liver?

Accepted Answer

Yes: In some cases a noncontrast ct scan can show pancreatic cancer,changes that could suggest pancreatic inflammation and liver diseases. However a negative scan does not rule out these diseases.

Question 5

would a ct scan without contrast show a brain tumor or evidence one was there? what are the chances it won't? doc not concerned but my anxiety is  :/

Accepted Answer

CT can miss tumors: Ct is good to check for mass effect, swelling, and shift.  If there is a tumor, may only see mass effects.  Best to screen for mass effect by ct w/o contrast, and if symptoms persist brain mri.

Question 6

can ct scan without contrast show any brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A ct scan will show brain tumors if they are large enough, have calcium or blood in them, or are causing swelling.  On some occasions, contrast is necessary to see other types of tumors.

Question 7

would a lung ct scan without contrast show lung blebs?

Accepted Answer

Mgt: The imaging study may be uploaded to an inbox consult for review. The CT study can demonstrate blebs.
If you are a smoker, I would advise quitting.

Question 8

can ct scan without contrast show brain aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Due to resolution of a ct scan, many small aneurysms may not be seen, and, by far, the MRI would be far better, but again, it might take gadolinium.  However, the cat angio could well detect an aneurysm, and this might work as well or better than a magnetic resonance angio.

Question 9

how well do kidney stones show in a ct scan without contrast?

Accepted Answer

Very Well: Almost all kidney stones show up extremely well on a non-contrasted ct scan. A stone that was composed entirely of protein matrix may not show but the typical calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid stones show up very well.

Question 10

if i had a ct scan without contrast would kidney stones show up ...

Accepted Answer

Yes: In fact, ct scanning without contrast is becoming the gold standard evaluation for kidney stones.  Contrast material frequently obscures stones and makes their identification difficult.  Stones as small as 1 mm can be detected with unenhanced ct technique.  Radiolucent stones which cannot be seen well with plain x-ray technique do show up well with unenhanced ct scan.

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Doctor answers about:

What does a ct scan without contrast show

A member asked:

What does a ct scan of the brain without contrast show?

A member asked:

Could a ct scan without contrast show an aneurysm?

A member asked:

Can a ct scan without contrast show a tumor in your bladder?

A member asked:

Will a ct scan without contrast show pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer? or damage to the liver?

A member asked:

Would a ct scan without contrast show a brain tumor or evidence one was there? what are the chances it won't? doc not concerned but my anxiety is :/

A member asked:

Can ct scan without contrast show any brain tumors?

A member asked:

Would a lung ct scan without contrast show lung blebs?

A member asked:

Can ct scan without contrast show brain aneurysm?

A member asked:

How well do kidney stones show in a ct scan without contrast?

A member asked:

If i had a ct scan without contrast would kidney stones show up ...

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