CT Without Contrast Copy

. . All the CT studies to this point were non-contrasted. As a next level study we sometimes inject IV contrasting agents ( usually iodine based ) to enhance a given lesion. IV contrast might result in an increase in radiodensity of a non-contrasted lesion causing it to “light up” ( appear whiter ). This would occur especially if the lesion were vascular. This finding might then lead to further studies including MRI and ultimately to neurology/neurosurgery consult.

Illustration 153 Frontal Mass ( without contrast )

. . The mass lesion is clearly demonstrated primarily in the right frontal area. As a demonstration of the affect of IV contrast, this same patient as in Illustration 153 was injected with IV contrast and the CT repeated.

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