CT Spine Flashcards
What is the modality of choice for imaging the spine
MRI
When is CT considered superior for imaging the spine
To see bony abnormalities
What must every study include for the spine
AP and lateral scouts
What is improved by administering intrathecal CM
Intradural structures
What are the main indications for spine CT
Disc herniation, Spinal stenosis, Spinal infection ,Trauma, Intraspinal tumors
What types of trauma are indication for spinal CT
fracture and dislocation
When is CM used for CT spine
Post op lumbar spine, inflammatory and neoplastic lesions
When is CM not indicated for CT spine
Most pathologies, disc lesions, spinal trauma etc
What is the Romans CM instructions
100ml @ 1.5ml/s
Scan after injection is finished
What 3 types of commonly seen vertebral fracture variations are there
Wedge, biconcave, crush
Mild vertebral fracture
20-25% height loss
Moderate vertebral fracture
25-40% height loss
Severe vertebral fracture
> 40% height loss
How is a patient positioned for C-Spine
Supine, head first
Where are internal laser lights for C-Spine
Glabella
What do we scan for C-Spine
Just above skull base to mid T1
How is patient positioned for T-spine
Supine, feet first, knees bent, arms over head
Where is internal laser light for T-Spine
2” above jugular notch (T1)
What do you scan for T-spine
Just above T1 to Just below T12 (unless specified)
How is patient positioned for L-spine
Supine, Feet first, arms over head, knees bent
Where is internal laser for L-spine
Xiphoid process (T9/10)
What do you scan for L-spine
Above L1 to mid sacrum
What is the type of scan for Spinal CT
Helical
Which type of recon shows better detail: 2D or 3D
2D
What is the window for Spine soft tissue
350ww/50wl
What is the window for spine bone
2000ww/500wl
How long of a delay is recommended between intrathecal injection and scanning
1 to 3 hours so the CM has time to dilute
What might happen if CM is too dense on our CT scan
It may mask intradural structures
When might a patient have a CT myelogram
If an MRI is not possible for them
When are CTA Spine Angio studies ordered
To see AV fistulas, AVM, Blunt trauma, etc
What is scanned for a CTA Apine Angio study
Skull base to sacrum
How many scans are done for CTA Spine Angio
2 scans.
1: arterial scan
2: delayed scan immediately after first arterial scan
What is another reason a patient may receive an angio CT other than due to injury or trauma
For pre-op visualization
