Imaging of Head and Neck Flashcards
What do we x-ray using plain films in the head and neck?
Facial
Sinus
Cervical spine
Where is plain film x-ray still useful in the head and neck?
Cervical spine
- Especially after surgery
Paediatric use
Why is plain film x-ray of the head and neck still useful in paediatrics?
Significantly lower dose of radiation compared to CT
Children small > have to use fewer x-rays
What type of catheter angiography is used today?
Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
What is DSA useful for in the head and neck?
Vascular tumours
- Assessment
- Embolisation
What is the mainstay of imaging of the head and neck?
CT
What is CT able to image in the head and neck?
Soft tissues/muscle/fat
Bones
Orbits
What is the drawback of CT?
Ionising radiation
Why are children especially at risk of ionising radiation?
Have longer to live > increased risk of developing oncogenic mutations
Lots of dividing cells > increased risk of developing oncogenic mutations
Can the difference between CSF and the spinal cord be easily seen on a CT scan?
No > use MRI
Why is the thyroid hyperdense in CT?
Intrinsically because of high levels of iodine
Why do you have to wait for some time to use radioactive iodine as a treatment for thyroid cancer after using imaging that uses contrast agents?
Thyroid takes up all iodine in contrast agents > won’t take up anymore for weeks to months
What is ultrasound used for in the head and neck?
Thyroid
Submandibular glands
Lumps and bumps
Carotid arteries
What is MRI most useful for in the head and neck?
Base of skull
Cervical spine
What is MRI increasingly being used for in the head and neck?
Oral cavity cancers
Vascular imaging
