Radiologic C/S eval Flashcards
List the ABCDs for viewing imaging
- Alignment
- Bone Signal
- Canal Space (also CNS for MRI)
- narrowing/indent (encroachment) in canal from potential structures
- Discs Integrity
- Soft tissues
List general indications for CT of the C-Spine
- Acute trauma (adults)
- Degenerative conditions
- Post-op assessment
- Infection
- Image-guided intervention procedures
- Neoplasm
- Inflammatory lesions
- Congenital/developmental conditions
- Cord syrinxes/masses (with MRI contraindicated)
what may be best observed with an axial CT of the C-spine?
- spatial relations → dens and lateral masses, dens and anterior arch
- atlantodental interface
- spinal canal
what may be best observed with a coronal CT of the C-spine?
- integrity of the dens
- spatial relations of C1 and C2
- a burst fracture or Jefferson’s fracture is best seen in this plane
list general indications for MRI of the C-spine
- Acute trauma with suspected cord encroachment
- DDD
- Neoplasm
- Dx and intervention f/u
- Intrinsic spinal cord pathology
- Congenital/developmental conditions
- Cord masses
- Post-op assessment (soft tissues, vertebroplasty)
- Meningeal abnormalities
- Infection
- disc space infections
- epidural abscess
what is myelomalacia? What is the best imaging to see it?
encroachment on the cord from a bulging disc resulting in softening of the spinal cord
best seen with a T2 MRI
what does PECARN stand for?
Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network
what is PECARN?
a guideline that states → high risk for cervical spine injury (do imaging) if one or more of the following are present:
- AMS
- focal neurologic findings
- Torticollis (new onset)
- Substantial torso injury
- Conditions predisposing to cervical spine injury
- diving
- high-risk motor vehicle crash
list the 4 ACR Appropriateness criteria for the neck
- Cervical neck pain or cervical radiculopathy
- Myelopathy
- Suspected spine trauma
- Suspected spine trauma - child
what initial imaging is most appropriate for new or increasing nontraumatic cervical or neck pain with no red flags?
Radiography cervical spine
(MRI and CT may be appropriate but radiography is best)
what initial imaging is most appropriate for new or increasing nontraumatic cervical radiculopathy with no red flags?
MRI cervical spine
(CT and radiography may be appropriate also but not best choice)
what initial imaging is most appropriate for a patient with prior cervical spine injury who has new or increasing nontraumatic cervical/neck pain or radiculopathy?
Radiography or CT-scan of cervical spine
(MRI or CT myelography cervical spine may also be appropriate but not best choice)
what initial imaging is most appropriate when there is suspicion for infection with new or increasing nontraumatic cervical/neck pain or radiculopathy?
MRI cervical spine
(CT or radiography also good but not best choice)
what initial imaging is best for a pt with a known malignancy who presents with new or increasing nontraumatic cervical/neck pain or radiculopathy?
MRI cervical spine
(CT, radiography or bone scan also good but not best choice for initial)
what initial imaging is most appropriate for a pt with cervicogenic HA and new or increasing nontraumatic cervical/neck pain with no neurologic deficits?
no imaging technique is considered better than others here
MRI, Radiography, CT, facet injection/medial branch block of cervical spine may all be appropriate