CT scans capture multiple images of the body for optimal evaluation of structures. Short-term side effects include anxiety and reactions to contrast dyes, while long-term effects may include an increased risk of cancer due to radiation exposure.
A computed tomography (CT), formally known as a computed axial tomography or (CAT), is a type of radiographic imaging procedure that captures many images of a certain area for optimal evaluation of body structures. The many images generated by a CT scan can be computer manipulated to create different axial views of the body. In other words, the inside of the body can be viewed along different axes, or planes, for comparison. Side effects can be long-term or short-term, depending on when they might occur. Long-term side effects of CT scans are mostly guesswork, while short-term side effects can include anxiety or unpleasant reactions to the contrast dyes sometimes used for optimal visualization.
All documented side effects of CT scans are considered short-term. The vast majority are secondary to the administration of fluorescent or contrast dyes used to enhance the visibility of certain details in the CT image. Contrast dyes, usually iodine-based, can cause allergic reactions in some patients, particularly individuals with a pre-existing seafood allergy. Allergies to fluorescent dyes are evident more quickly when the contrast material is given intravenously (IV) than when given orally, because intravenous administration of the drug distributes the dye more rapidly throughout the body. Allergic reactions to contrast dyes can include developing hives, rash, itching, or wheezing.
Other reactions to the procedure could widely be considered side effects of CT scans. A common reaction to the intravenous administration of an iodine-based contrast agent is a sudden systemic flush, also described as a feeling of warmth that spreads throughout the body. This is a known reaction to the dye and is not reported to cause any permanent difficulties. Many patients, already concerned about possible health issues and the unfamiliar procedure, report claustrophobia while inside the cylindrical CT scanner. These patients are often sedated with anti-anxiety drugs before the procedure and may therefore experience drowsiness and sedation as a side effect of CT scans.
A CT scan uses a slightly higher amount of radiation than a regular X-ray to obtain its multiple images, and radiation exposure has been identified as increasing an individual’s chance of developing cancer. Thus, potential long-term side effects of CT scans may include an increased chance of developing a malignancy. These risks are reportedly less dangerous than failing to diagnose or monitor a current medical condition in an adult.
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