Question

The portal venous phase occurs about ___ seconds after the start of the IV contrast injection?

1) 20 to 30
2) 40 to 60
3) 60 to 90
4) 90 to 120

Answer 1

The portal venous phase typically occurs 60 to 90 seconds after the start of an IV contrast injection, allowing for enhanced imaging of the abdominal organs during a CT scan.

Step-by-step explanation:

The portal venous phase is an important phase in contrast-enhanced imaging studies such as CT scans. It occurs after the injection of intravenous contrast material, allowing for enhanced visualization of the abdominal organs, particularly the liver. This phase occurs approximately 60 to 90 seconds after the start of the IV contrast injection. It is vital for detecting liver lesions and evaluating the portal vein and other abdominal structures. This timeframe allows for the contrast to circulate through the heart and into the arterial system, then to pass through the capillary beds of the organs and enter the portal venous system.