CT Spine - C, T, L Flashcards
What is the modality of choice for spinal imaging?
MRI
All spinal studies must include what scouts?
AP and Lateral scouts
What are the indications for spine CT?
(5 things)
- Disc Herniation
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spinal Infection
- Trauma
- Intraspinal Tumors
What are the four stages to a disc herniation?
- Degeneration
- Prolapse
- Extrusion
- Sequestration
When do we use IV contrast for the spine?
(3 things)
- Post-op lumbar spine
- inflammatory and neoplastic lesions
- when the rad says to
when do we NOT use IV contrast for the spine?
- any other pathology
IV contrast mL and rate?
- 100mL @ 1.5mL/s
Wedge fracture occurs where?
- anterior portion of vertebra
Biconcave fracture occurs where?
- in the middle of the vertebra
Crush fracture occurs where?
- posterior portion of vertebra
To fully assess spinal canal, we need __
CT
Due to anatomical complexities of the spine, 2D images show more ______
Detail
Windows for spine?
- Soft tissue: 350ww/50wl
- Bone: 2000ww/500wl
What is the relationship of CT and myelography?
- CT exams are done after myelography to clarify findings
Why do intrathecal admin. of CM need a 1-3 hour delay?
- allow CM to dilute
- CM that is too dense may mask intradural structures
Why are CT Myelograms done?
(3 things)
- Patient cant have an MRI
- Demonstrates CSF leaks
- Widely used for operative planning
CTA Spine indications:
(3 things)
- AV fistulas
- Artero-venous malformation (AVM)
- blunt trauma (vascular injury)
Volume and rate of CM is used for CTA spine?
- 120mL @ 6mL/s
2 sets of scans required for CTA spine, what are they?
- arterial
- delayed
