Is Watery Diarrhea After Abdominal CT Normal?

Posted on Sun, 12 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 12 Feb 2017 Answered on

Mon, 6 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : i had a CT Friday afternoon. I ate a large meal immediately afterwards. Within 45 minutes I had severe diarrhea. Could this be food poisoning or related to the CT? Symptoms still persist, but less severe.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Radio-contrast material by mouth?

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

in order to visualize the intestine and distinguish it from nearby structures radiologists give patients Radio-contrast material by mouth for abdominal scans. This material typically causes short-lived diarrhea.

If you haven't taken anything by mouth then the only possible connection to the scan is as a side effect of intravenous contrast material (if it has been given to you).

Kind Regards!

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj