- Strengths
- Can be used for metastatic workup or to evaluate meningitis.. For acute trauma, r/o bleed or stroke evaluation, IV contrast generally NOT needed.
- Limitations
- In patients who cannot have MRI, CT brain with IV contrast can be used, but MRI is still much more sensitive; Most other indications probably need MRI.
- Contraindications
- 1) Allergy to contrast, but we will premedicate patient as necessary; 2) IV contrast will be dose-adjusted dependent upon creatinine clearance.
- CPT Code
- 70460
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- CT Brain With IV contrast
- Patient Preparation
- NPO 4 hours, but can take meds with small sips of water.
