Computed tomographic (CT) gastrography, also called virtual gastroscopy (VG), is a noninvasive procedure for the detection of gastric abnormalities. Multiple X-rays are used to create a 3-Dimensional image of the organ, allowing abnormalities to be detected.
Advantages rapid and noninvasive identifies local tumor invasion, lymph node and metastasis in cases of gastric cancer
Indications early detection of gastric carcinoma to examine gastric abnormalities, e.g. hiatus hernia, polyps and ulcers post-surgical assessment of the stomach
Technique Patient fasts at least 8 hours before the exam. Bowel distension, optimal gastric distention is a fundamental prerequisite for CT gastrography data evaluation; collapsed gastric wall may mimic disease or obscure underlying pathology. Negative oral contrast medium with effervescent granules is effective for optimal gastric distension.
Data acquisition and analysis CT scanning is ideally performed on a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) with a thin collimation. Data interpretation with the use of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) displays for proper evaluation
See also CT examinations
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