Enhanced CT generally requires fasting, such as abdominal enhancement, but cranial, thoracic and vascular enhancement CT can also be done without fasting.
If the patient’s condition is relatively stable, fasting is usually chosen. Enhanced CT requires intravenous injection of contrast medium, and nausea, vomiting and other adverse reactions may occur with the injection of contrast medium, which may cause asphyxiation and life-threatening asphyxiation once the vomitus is accidentally inhaled into the airway.
If the abdominal CT examination is performed without fasting, the food in the gastrointestinal tract may interfere with the image results of the enhanced CT, affecting the correct diagnosis.
If the patient’s condition is critical, for example, suspected thoracic and abdominal aortic dissection, thoracic and abdominal aortic enhancement CT can be performed urgently without waiting for fasting before examination. If it is a site other than the abdomen, it can also be done without fasting.
Enhanced CT is usually done on an empty stomach, but it is important to take into account the condition of the patient and the location of the enhanced CT. The need for fasting should not be subjective, but should be based on the judgment of the specialist to avoid adverse consequences.