CT scan without contrast
 

When I went to my neuro this time he remarked that my previous neuro did a
ct scan on my thymus without contrast....he felt that the test a some time should be retaken with contrast. Any one else have a ct scan without contrast?

Nope, but when we did mine the neuro said it really needed to be done with contrast to be able to see everything. The issue came up when we did the scan of my thymus because I'm allergic to CT contrast (we figured this out after I had a reaction several years ago when they thought I had appendicitis and did a ct scan with contrast then). So, we did it with the contrast but they pretreated me with steroids and benadryl to cut down on the allergic reaction so they could give me the CT contrast.

Yes I believe. I believe they did without first and then pulled me out gave me contrast and did that is how I remember. Annie59

Hi,
Ive had CT's done without Contrast too.

I found out I am allergic to the contrast in June this year when having a CT for possible bowel obstruction.

The allergic reaction was really scary - temperature went up to 38, had been 36 earlier. Face swelled , neck swelled and I was covered in hives. I got quite short of breath. I panic now if I ever need a CT with contrast again.

Years ago I had a CT with contrast and was absolutely fine - but I now seem to develop allergies to medications very regularly now.

Rach

Same as Annie59 - they did a pics without contrast and then gave me the contrast and repeated. Because of the suspected MG - they gave me 'lite' contrast. (supposedly less likely to induce weakness and/or allergic reactions)

My neuro ordered my thymus scan with contrast, but the radiologist insisted on doing it without. He (the radiologist) said that contrast wouldn't help at all. So I don't know who's right.

Iodinated contrast dyes are on the list of "drugs to be avoided or used with caution" by myasthenics:
http://www.myasthenia.org/docs/MGFA_MedicalInfoCard.pdf

Abby

Whirlwind, I'm so sorry that I can't remember your "real name.

Did he give a reason why it should be done with contrast? Iodine can make MG worse, so if you are not doing well right now you may want to decline his generous offer. ;)

I react to iodine too and have had to premedicate when I did need one (to rule out a pulmonary embolism).

It's your choice whether to have contrast or not. Is the CT itself even necessary? Do you need more radiation in your body? What clinical benefit will you get from having a CT? What clinical benefit will your insurance company get? :cool: Will it really contribute to your quality of life?

I don't do testing anymore unless it is absolutely necessary. Tests don't come without risks. If there is a very good, valid reason for a test, great. If a doctor is running one only because they are "curious," forget it.

I hope you are doing okay.

Annie

Annie,
Hi, my name is Nancy, The Doctor felt that the ct without contrast does not show up the thymus gland properly, that is why he wanted it redone with contrast. I am so confused went to my family Dr. today, and he says he will order it now., and gave me pre med as I do not do well with iodine. My family Dr., does not like the idea that the neuro put me on the prednisone., I don't either, but the mestinon just wasn't working right I actually had worse symtoms even with a low dose and then when the dose was lowered to 15 mg he said that was worthless and put me on the pred 10 mg every other day.

Nancy,
another even more comprehensive test which can show the thymus well is MRI ( no contrast,and you can go to "open view" facility). I don't know,why Dr's prefer CT scan (price?),it took me lots of effort to get it done for my daughter.I think you can request this,no matter what they (drs) tell you. CT is not cheap also,and it's much more rediation involved.Hope,it helps.
Marina

I had a CT scan without contrast, my neuro said the contrast was not necessary to see the thymus.