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Can A CT Scan Detect Ascites In Pelvic Area?

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Posted on Tue, 16 Aug 2016
Question: Would ascites show up on an iv contrast abdomen/pelvis CT scan?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Had ascites been present, it would have been observed in CT scan

Detailed Answer:
hi,
thank you for posting query at HCM.

Ascites is definitely visible on a CT scan film and if its not seen, ascites is ruled out.
Bloating is an abnormal sensation, which may also be felt if there is excessive fat and/or gas.

abdominal distension has various causes.
common causes include:

Fat (obesity)
gas (gastrointestinal)
Fluid (ascites)
Irritable bowel syndrome

Any further questions are most welcome.
Hope to answer your concern.

Wish you good and sound health.

Regards,
Dr Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (19 minutes later)
Thank you for my answer. My stomach does seem to fit the physical tests for ascites (shifting dullness) and over the last two days I have noticed my skin feels less elastic around that area--this is troubling me. Is it possible something could have changed in a few days or that the CT scan did something odd to the skin around that area?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Need more details

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for getting back to me.

that is really strange.
shifting dullness finding with a negative CT scan.

did you have liver function tests?
did you suffer from any infection recently?
have you ever suffered from pancreatitis?
have you tested for HBV and HCV?
do you have fever?pain? any other symptom OR abnormal lab results?

secondly, decreased skin elasticity maybe transient? keep yourself hydrated. eat fruits rich in vitamin C. if skin elasticity is bothering you, you may visit treating dermatologist.

look forward for your replies.

thank you.
regards
Dr Tayyab Malik


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (38 minutes later)
Yes I have some troubling symptoms. Weight loss, cough, burping, heartburn, occasional mid back and abdominal pain. CT did come back negative for whatever organs show up on abdominal CT scan. The shifting dullness was something I self-diagnosed but honestly it really does appear that it is fluid that shifts when I lay on my side and stand up.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Further evaluation needed

Detailed Answer:
hi,
thank you for giving the details...

Firstly, shifting dullness (examination/percussion) is difficult to be performed by oneself. I would recommend you to visit treating physician and let the physician perform the (shifting dullness) maneuver and abdominal physical examination. It would give a better picture.

Secondly, regarding your current symptoms - weight loss, heartburn,pain;
i would recommend you to undergo upper GI endoscopic examination to rule out any lesions in the upper GI tract.

Upper GI endoscopy is usually indicated if heartburn and/or pain is associated with any one or more of the following :

Anemia
"Loss of weight"
Dysphagia ( difficulty swallowing)
Melena ( black stool)
loss of appetite

its a pleasure to answer your queries.
hope to answer your concerns.

wish you speedy good and sound health.

if no further questions, kindly close dialogue box and rate the answer.
thank you.

regards,
dr Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (32 minutes later)
Thank you Dr.,
The last of my 3 allotted questions: assuming the ct showed normal organs, would that mean the ascites (if it exists) is not coming from the stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, colon?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
NO ascites from liver, gall bladder, pancreas, GIT.

Detailed Answer:
hi.
pleasure to clear your doubts.

as CT rules out ascites, so fluid ( ascites) from any of the abdominal organs is out of question.

however, as mentioned earlier, physical examination by a health professional and endoscopic examination would give a better and clear picture.

hope to answer your concerns.

wish you speedy good and sound health.
thank you.

regards,
dr Tayyab Malik
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Tayyab Malik

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 819 Questions

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Can A CT Scan Detect Ascites In Pelvic Area?

Brief Answer: Had ascites been present, it would have been observed in CT scan Detailed Answer: hi, thank you for posting query at HCM. Ascites is definitely visible on a CT scan film and if its not seen, ascites is ruled out. Bloating is an abnormal sensation, which may also be felt if there is excessive fat and/or gas. abdominal distension has various causes. common causes include: Fat (obesity) gas (gastrointestinal) Fluid (ascites) Irritable bowel syndrome Any further questions are most welcome. Hope to answer your concern. Wish you good and sound health. Regards, Dr Tayyab Malik