- Strengths
- dedicated study to: 1) assess known pancreatitis for complications including abscess, aneurysm, venous occusion; 2) stage pancreatic CA.
- Limitations
- Use MRCP for eval of choledocolithiasis; Use standard CT abdmen for screening for pancreas involvement (less radiation exposure to patient than multiphase and provides evaluation of other abdominal organs too).
- 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
- 74170
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- CT abdomen with and without IV contrast. No oral contrast.
- Patient Preparation
- NPO 4 hours, but can take meds with small sip of water.
