CT and MRI are completely different diagnostic tests. They differ in the preparation of the patient, the procedure, the basic principles of scanning, and images, but they have a common goal - identifying pathological changes in internal organs, in particular the neck area.
CT diagnostics for some parts of the human body and certain diseases is considered more informative compared to magnetic resonance imaging. Thanks to the information obtained using a CT scan, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment for the patient.
CT and MRI: differences
CT and MRI procedures have both similarities and differences
Computed tomography began to be used in medicine earlier than MRI. Preparation for the procedure is simple and does not require much effort. The principle of CT scanning of the neck is carried out using X-rays, which help to recognize even small changes in tissue. They affect the entire thickness of the throat area being examined, but layer by layer. The device constantly changes the energy of the directed beam, which collides with tissues of different density (structure). Therefore, images of the neck organs are obtained layer by layer. In the photographs, the internal organs of the throat have blurred boundaries, and the spine is clear, which makes it possible to better see pathological changes in the bones. This occurs due to X-rays, which visualize denser tissue structures.
MRI is considered no less informative than CT, but still these are two different diagnostics. A neck MRI does not require any extensive preparation. The MRI machine scans the throat organs using nuclear magnetic resonance resonance. Pulsating magnetic waves, located in a constant high-intensity magnetic field, are repelled by hydrogen atoms, which makes it possible to study the chemical structure of soft tissues. The photographs show clear boundaries of the internal organs of the neck. MRI is not informative for determining pathological changes in bones. For example, total or partial fusion of the vertebrae as a result of spondylosis. MRI diagnostics are best used to examine soft tissues.
Important! MRI and computed tomography are diagnostics that differ from each other in many factors. Therefore, for a specific disease of the organs of the neck area, one of these examinations is prescribed.
Thyroid examination
The thyroid gland is a large gland in the human body. Location in the anterior-lateral part of the neck, in the throat area. The thyroid gland has two lateral lobes connected by an isthmus (sometimes it is absent). The membranes are in the form of a capsule - fibrous, outer. Between them there is a slit-like space consisting of loose adipose tissue. The glandular tissue is penetrated by vessels, nerves, and follicles are located in its loops. Responsible for the production of thyroxine, calcitonin, triiodothyronine, thyrocalcitonin.
The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body, and therefore it is necessary to monitor its health
Computed tomography helps evaluate the structure of the gland and also shows the presence of nodes of pathological origin. If necessary, allows for targeted biopsy of a pathological node. Often, the above examination is prescribed to patients with a history of various types of cysts, adenomas, colloidal proliferating goiter, and others. In general, diagnostic data are not inferior in information content to MRI or ultrasound.
Examination of the larynx and trachea
The larynx consists of nine hyaline cartilages, movably connected to each other. They are connected by ligaments, joints, and membranes. The larynx is covered on the inside with mucous tissue. The organ has three sections: upper, middle, lower.
The main purpose of the larynx is to circulate air. The vocal cords are located inside this organ. When air passes through them, sound is produced. The sound of the voice depends on the size and volume of the larynx, as well as on the degree of tension, humidity, and elasticity of the vocal cords.
The trachea is located below the larynx and is its continuation. It has a tube-like shape. Consists of mucous membrane and base; fibrous, muscle, cartilage tissues; covered with connective tissue membranes. Performs the function of air circulation between the environment and the lungs.
Computed tomography shows changes as a result of inflammatory processes (laryngitis), stenoses of various origins, paralysis, injuries of the larynx and trachea in the examined area in the projection of the throat. Thanks to layer-by-layer images of tissue in the neck area, this research method is considered informative for identifying pathologies of the pharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and trachea. For example, with a congenital diaphragm of the larynx, tracheomalacia. The resulting images will allow the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective medical or surgical treatment.
Examination of lymph nodes in the neck area
Computed tomography helps to identify inflammatory processes and neoplasms in the neck and larynx
Lymph nodes in the anterior neck, in the projection of the throat: anterior cervical, lateral, deep cervical, retropharyngeal. Lymph nodes consist of medulla and cortex. Lymph nodes are covered with a capsule. They produce lymph into the venous bed to maintain water balance in the tissues of the body.
CT scan shows pathological changes in the soft tissue of the lymph nodes in the presence of systemic inflammatory processes, neoplasms, accompanied by deviations from the norm in the lymphoid tissue. For example, purulent inflammation in the maxillofacial area, the formation of phlegmons and leaks. Computed tomography is done immediately before surgery, as well as after, in order to monitor the dynamics of the disease during the period of treatment and rehabilitation.
Angiography of throat vessels
It is performed for head and neck injuries, frequent migraine attacks without an identified etiology, the presence of a large number of miliary aneurysms, signs of arterial dissection and other pathological abnormalities. This type of diagnosis is performed with intravenous administration of a contrast agent that contains iodine.
Angiography is the best way to identify thrombosis, malignant and benign neoplasms, atherosclerosis, vasculitis, aneurysms and malformations of neck vessels.
Examination of the cervical spine
Tomography is aimed at identifying pathological changes in the spinal cord, vertebrae, and spinal canal. The doctor prescribes diagnostics after injuries, in the presence of headaches, periodic fainting, rheumatic lesions, to clarify the localization of the pathological focus before surgery, and to monitor the rehabilitation period.
CT allows you to accurately determine fractures, instability, and cracks in the vertebrae; neoplasms, metastasis in the cervical spine; osteoporosis, spondelosis, osteochondrosis; myelopathy of the spinal cord and other diseases.
Preparing for a CT examination
Basic preparation requirements before starting the examination:
- CT scan with X-ray contrast agent. Do not eat before the procedure, preferably 3 or more hours before. You should not drink water for an hour before the diagnosis begins. Notify your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, especially extracellular X-ray contrast agents that contain iodine.
- Tomography of internal organs and soft tissues of the throat without contrast agent does not require special preparation.
Note!Some patients are contraindicated to have a CT scan. This group includes pregnant women, patients suffering from allergies to iodine-containing drugs or products, with renal failure, and severe forms of hyperthyroidism.
Images obtained as a result of computed tomography of the neck organs provide complete information about the condition of the soft tissues, lymph nodes, thyroid gland, and neck muscles. Hollow organs (larynx, esophagus, nasopharynx) have more detailed visualization. Any inflammatory processes, malignant neoplasms, cysts can be easily detected by undergoing a contrast CT scan of the soft tissues of the neck. The technological features of the procedure and the choice of scanning mode are determined by the radiology doctor. Preliminary consultation with a specialist will reduce the harm from excessive radiation.
If you do a timely examination, many diseases of the neck and soft tissues can be stopped at the initial stage of development! You just need to approach the procedure wisely.
The advent of MSCT of the carotid artery and soft tissues has increased the early detection of cancer in Russia. CT scanners are more common among medical clinics than MRI scans.
The study and analysis of an oncological disease cannot be thoroughly carried out without three-dimensional modeling (3D reconstruction). Before doing a CT scan, doctors prescribe alternative diagnostic methods to identify the lesion. The approach reduces radiation exposure by limiting unnecessary scans.
CT scan of soft tissues - what it shows
Carrying out a computer examination of the neck and soft tissues recognizes pathological changes more than 0.5 mm in diameter, provides detailed information about the location of malignant neoplasms, shows their location, size, degree of germination, the nature of the effect of the tumor on neighboring organs, and determines the anatomy of the neoplasms.
The specialist conducting the neck scanning process receives information about structural changes in the spinal cord and spinal column.
For the most accurate result, multispiral computed tomography is suitable - a type of research of the latest generation. Unlike conventional tomography, MSCT has not one, but several detectors, which, passing through the area under study, make it possible to obtain high-precision visualization in a short time, a three-dimensional image of the diagnosed organ. For oncologists, MSCT of the soft tissues of the neck is an indispensable method of early verification and assessment of dynamics after treatment.
How to prepare for the diagnostic procedure?
If you are undergoing a contrast study, you will not be able to eat anything before the procedure. If tomography is performed without contrast, then no preparation is required.
You need to take the following documents with you to the examination:
- Medical history or extract from an outpatient card;
- Referral from the attending physician;
- Results of previous examinations, x-rays;
- Other documents related to the disease.
Diseases of the soft tissues of the neck on computed tomograms
Doctors often resort to a CT scan of the neck and its organs if there is a need to obtain information about the following diseases:
- Disorders of the spine in the cervical region;
- Malignant and benign neoplasms, metastases in the cervical lymph nodes;
- Diverticula of the esophagus and larynx;
- Inflammatory processes of the neck and soft tissues;
- Enlarged cervical lymph nodes, without understanding the reasons;
- Atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases of the neck;
- The presence of foreign bodies in the neck;
- Abnormal development of neck organs;
- Cyst-shaped inclusions.
CT scan of the neck and soft tissues with contrast
A contrast agent, the main substance of which is iodine, creates better visualization of the area under study on a tomogram due to clear visualization of veins, arteries, and capillaries. Contrast is used to improve blood supply to the affected area.
A contrast study is always performed to determine tumors and metastases. The principle of operation is very simple: the enhancing compound is injected intravenously and after a few minutes stains the cervical vessels. The image after amplification turns out clear, high-quality, and informative.
Contrast is absolutely safe for humans; after scanning, the drug leaves the body through the kidneys without metabolism.
MSCT of cervical lymph nodes: indications, contraindications
Doctors cannot always determine the cause or type of dysfunction of the lymph nodes using palpation. The main indications for MSCT of the cervical lymph nodes may be: an increase in their size, color, pain, the presence of fistulas or scars, suspicion of the presence of neoplasms.
There are places in the human body that a doctor cannot reach with his hands; in this case, multislice computed tomography will come to the rescue. Even those cervical lymph nodes that are accessible to a doctor cannot always be diagnosed manually.
Not all people have the opportunity to get tested. Contraindications that do not allow MSCT of the thyroid gland and cervical lymph nodes:
- Presence of metal prostheses (dental, ear);
- For diseases of the heart, kidneys and thyroid gland, contrast is not administered;
- The patient must remain motionless during scanning, so young children are very rarely subjected to computer examination;
- Pregnant women will not be able to undergo computer diagnostics, since X-rays are likely to harm the unborn child;
- It is also undesirable to undergo MSCT of the neck during lactation - after this you will have to stop feeding the child for 2-3 days;
- If you have an allergic reaction to iodine, MSCT with a contrast agent is not possible;
- There are weight restrictions. Specific numbers depend on the brand of tomograph;
- Incorrect functioning of the vestibular apparatus.
Contrast imaging of the lymphatic system is not an alternative to MRI due to radiation exposure. The lack of possibility for mass distribution of the latter method is limited by the high cost of equipment. It is important to verify oncology at an early stage, and the harm from radiation is secondary.
If a patient is prescribed a CT scan of the neck, the doctor plans to obtain information about the condition of the soft tissues of the larynx, vessels of the neck and head. This information will help identify tumors, blockages or narrowing of neck vessels. During the examination, a special substance is often used. Contrast is introduced into the body and allows you to more accurately monitor the vessels and their condition.
CT scan of the neck reveals pathologies of soft tissues and pharyngeal vessels
General characteristics of the examination
Most often, CT scans of the neck are performed for cancer problems and vascular diseases. This study is also prescribed to eliminate otorhinolaryngological ailments, as well as diseases of the jaw and face. Neurosurgeons cannot do without scanning patients; they always do tomography for people before surgery.
This is one of the most complete and informative diagnostic options. During the examination, you can see not only neck problems, but also examine disorders in bone and soft tissues, visualize the larynx, spinal cord, thyroid gland, and the structure of the spinal column. By performing a CT scan of the neck vessels, the doctor finds the source of inflammation, the location of benign or malignant tumors. In addition, the diagnostician can identify the presence of foreign bodies and determine hyperplasia of the lymph nodes.
During the scanning procedure, a specialist uses X-ray beams to examine the brachiocephalic basin. Computed tomography takes three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels from different angles. To improve visibility, the patient is injected with contrast, then the procedure is called CT angiography.
During scanning, the brachiocephalic basin is examined
Types of examination
CT scan of the neck can be performed in different ways and techniques. All tomography techniques are based on the use of X-rays, which, when interacting with soft tissues (hydrogen atoms), display an accurate image of the slice on the computer screen. In this case, the patient is irradiated with a very small dose, but pregnant women and children under 14 years of age do not need such a dose of radiation, so they do not undergo tomography.
Types of CT scans of soft tissues of the neck:
- Regular.
- Spiral.
- Multispiral.
- Use of contrast.
During a CT scan of the neck, the patient receives a moderate dose of radiation
A computed tomograph is a complex mechanism for which an entire room is dedicated, but the monitor itself, along with the diagnostician, is located in a separate room. This is done to ensure that the specialist does not receive a dose of radiation, so during the scan the doctor goes into the adjacent room and observes the procedure from there.
The tomograph consists of a table on which the patient is located, a tunnel and equipment (it rotates around the patient). This is a special tube with a number of detectors and an X-ray beam. In the first case, this is a simplified version of the design. With the spiral method of examination, the table and the X-ray beam continuously move in a spiral at a given speed.
Multislice tomography can perform a faster and more accurate examination. This procedure is more expensive, but the results will be the most accurate, because the device takes 300 pictures in 1 second. Therefore, processes can be monitored almost in real time. If oncology is suspected, the patient is simultaneously injected with a contrast agent. This is usually iodine, which increases the sensitivity of the technique.
Multispiral tomography allows you to obtain more accurate images of the area under study
Indications for use
A CT scan of the neck is prescribed for herniated discs or to determine a sprain of the spinal ligaments in the cervical region. You cannot do without a study if the doctor suspects the presence of vascular pathologies or anomalies of the lymph nodes. This way you can identify atherosclerosis or aneurysm.
The patient is sent for examination in the following cases:
CT scan reveals laryngeal diverticula
CT angiography allows you to more accurately determine the condition of the vessels of the neck. The diagnostician will examine and identify blockages, pathological tortuosities of the carotid arteries, injuries and aneurysms, scan blood clots in arteries and veins, and determine the anatomy of tumors in which the vessels are involved. If the doctor doubts the diagnosis and suspects the patient has a stroke, it will be difficult to do without a computed tomography scan. This manipulation is carried out if the patient reports the following symptoms:
People who may develop vascular pathologies will have to go for a scan, as indicated by the following symptoms:
- Insomnia.
- Attention disturbance.
- Headache.
Memory problems may indicate the development of vascular disease
Contraindications to the procedure
CT scans of the neck with contrast are not performed on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. Irradiation of small patients under 14 years of age is contraindicated, but in rare cases, doctors make exceptions if it is not possible to diagnose the problem in another safe way. Due to the fact that the technique involves placing a table with the patient in a tunnel, the procedure is not performed if the person’s weight exceeds 150 kg.
During the scan, you need to lie down for some time without moving, so doctors do not prescribe scanning for people with mental disorders or coordination problems. Patients who are in a coma are not subject to tomography, as is the case with a diagnosis of kidney or liver failure. Scanning is contraindicated in the last stage of diabetes.
Preparation for the procedure
CT angiography is performed by prior appointment and referral from the attending physician. During the examination of blood vessels, contrast is usually used, so you should refrain from eating 5 hours before the procedure. Doctors recommend not drinking water before the tomography.
On the eve of the examination you should refrain from eating
Before such computer examinations, patients are asked to remove all jewelry and clothing with metal inserts. Some offices provide a spacious kit that you will need to put on before the procedure. Be sure to take with you a report from a surgeon (if you have previously had an operation), an otolaryngologist (for problems with the nasopharynx or larynx) or an endocrinologist (for examining the thyroid gland).
How is the examination carried out?
If scanning is performed without contrast agents, the patient is positioned on a moving table. Usually the person is placed on his back. In some cases, it will be secured using leather straps and a bolster. This is done to prevent changes in body position.
After setting up and positioning, the diagnostician turns on the device and goes into the next room. The patient must lie motionless for several minutes, while the table will move in a spiral, and a tube with beams and detectors will rotate around the patient. A person should not be afraid of the procedure, as it is completely painless. During the scan, the patient may hear a noise that appears when the tomograph ring moves.
To perform a CT scan of the neck, the patient is positioned on a moving table of the tomograph.
During the procedure with contrast, the patient is injected with a special substance intravenously and the scanning procedure continues. After the injection, a person may feel a rush of cold or heat, a metallic taste, and slight dizziness. If the patient is not allergic to iodine or seafood, negative manifestations will be minimal and will go away on their own after the procedure. Otherwise, doctors will prescribe antihistamines.
The procedure does not take much time. Conventional tomography is performed in 15 minutes, and with the use of contrast in 30-50 minutes. After checking the quality of the images, the diagnostician releases the patient.
Over the next hour, the specialist collects the required set of images, burns a disk and fills out a document with the results of the study. He then gives the information to the patient. The diagnostician does not decipher the information received; this will be done by the attending physician.
You will learn more about how computed tomography is performed in the video:
> CT (computed tomography) of soft tissues and organs of the neck
This information cannot be used for self-medication!
Consultation with a specialist is required!
The neck is the most anatomically loaded area of the body. It is here, tightly adjacent to each other, that a large number of organs belonging to different systems (circulatory, nervous, digestive, lymphatic and endocrine) are located. Various diseases of any of these organs can be determined using computed tomography (CT) of the soft tissues and organs of the neck. This diagnostic method is based on the use of x-rays and allows one to obtain layer-by-layer images of the organ being examined. A referral for a CT scan is most often issued by a surgeon, oncologist or vascular surgeon.
Indications for CT scan of the neck
Computed tomography of the organs of the neck and soft tissues of this area can be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis with enlarged lymph nodes of unknown origin, with lymphogranulomatosis (tumor pathology of the lymphatic system), with neck injuries. Purulent inflammatory processes (infiltrates, abscesses, phlegmons), neck cysts, diverticula (wall protrusions) of the esophagus or larynx, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, herniated intervertebral discs and spinal ligament sprains, aneurysms or atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries are also indications for CT. In addition, it is prescribed to exclude or confirm the presence of malignant or benign neoplasms, metastases in organs and soft tissues of this area.
How to prepare for research?
No special preparation is required in this case. If a CT scan of the neck organs is performed with the introduction of contrast, then you should not eat food 7–8 hours before the procedure.
Before prescribing the procedure, the doctor will definitely find out all possible contraindications, the main of which are pregnancy, allergic reactions to contrast agents, severe forms of renal failure, and breastfeeding. There are also restrictions on the patient’s weight depending on the type of tomograph (from 120 to 200 kg).
How is the procedure done?
During the examination, the patient lies on his back on a mobile tomograph table. When performing a CT scan of the neck with contrast, it is administered either intravenously or orally (when diagnosing pathology of the upper digestive tract). After administration of a contrast agent, a burning sensation and redness of the skin at the injection site may be observed, and with oral administration, a metallic taste in the mouth. These sensations are normal and disappear after 3-5 minutes.
During the procedure, the table moves inside the tunnel, and the tomograph ring rotates around. To obtain accurate results, complete stillness is required.
Within 15–20 minutes after the CT scan, the specialist writes a report, which, along with the images, is sent to the attending physician.
What does a CT scan of the neck show?
CT scan of the neck organs allows you to see and evaluate the condition of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes located in this area, interfascial spaces, muscles, trachea, esophagus, larynx and nasopharynx, as well as the cervical spine. During the procedure, the specialist has the opportunity to obtain information about the structure of the spinal cord and spinal column and exclude or confirm their role in the development of a particular pathology. Computed tomography with contrast clearly visualizes the vessels.
This diagnostic method allows you to see the number of neoplasms, determine the exact location of their location and the degree of germination, and assess the extent to which surrounding organs are involved in this process. Computed tomography of the neck makes it possible to study the anatomy of the tumor and determine its nature with great accuracy.
A CT scan of the soft tissues and organs of the neck helps visualize the muscles of the neck, the condition of the thyroid gland, and the lymph nodes in the area.
It is also used to examine hollow organs of the neck, such as the nasopharynx, trachea, and esophagus. Computed tomography is one of the most informative methods for studying the cervical region. CT examination helps to detect malignant formations, foci of inflammation, cysts, organ injuries, hematomas, the presence and location of a foreign body in the neck, as well as lymph node hyperplasia. The area that is examined also includes the cervical spine.
A CT scan of the neck is a test that takes very thin slices (3.5 mm) of the neck, starting just above the ears and ending just below the collarbone. This allows for more accurate diagnosis of conditions related to areas such as the nasal passages, mouth, throat, thyroid and parotid glands.
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses a special X-ray machine to view organs and tissues inside the body in detail.
CT scanning of the soft tissues and organs of the neck provides more detailed information about neck injuries, tumors and other diseases than other types of X-rays. A CT scan can also show bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels in the same images.
A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The photographs are more detailed than typical x-rays. During a CT scan of the neck, pictures are taken of cross-sections, or slices, of structures in the body.
When contrast is used during a CT scan, the structures are highlighted even more. CT scan can help determine the diagnosis at an early stage. The doctor uses this information to determine the best treatment for the patient.
Application of CT of soft tissues and organs of the neck
Computed tomography is very informative for diagnosing diseases of the soft tissues and organs of the neck. In particular, this study is able to document tumor size, location and relationship to adjacent structures, and CT can demonstrate the path of tumor spread.
By using intravenous contrast material during the examination, the best visualization of the vessels is ensured and thus the identification of key vascular structures is improved.
CT can determine the exact location and extent of tuberculosis in the intratemporal fossa and is best assessed in the parapharyngeal space. CT does not provide a histological diagnosis and does not allow differentiation between benign and malignant processes.
CT is very useful in the evaluation of parotid tumors and is likely to replace traditional sialography for the evaluation of neoplastic pathology of the parotid salivary gland. However, sialography remains the procedure of choice for the evaluation of inflammatory diseases of the salivary glands.
CT is extremely valuable in the evaluation and diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma. Computed tomography provides better imaging accuracy for assessing cartilage damage and tumor extension into the peripharyngeal spaces.
Current limitations of laryngeal CT are motion artifacts, lack of dynamic information, inability to differentiate edema from tumor infiltration, and lack of adequate characterization of mucosal surfaces.
CT of the soft tissues and organs of the neck is most useful in detecting metastatic adenopathy, especially in obese patients.
Reactive nodes, however, cannot be distinguished from metastatic nodes. Normal lymph nodes are usually less than 5 mm in diameter and reactive nodes are usually less than 15 mm in diameter. Large nodes with central necrosis usually indicate the presence of metastatic disease.
The role of CT in the evaluation of thyroid nodules is limited due to the accuracy of radionuclide and ultrasound diagnostic methods.
Indications for the study:
- the presence of abnormalities of the neck organs;
- damage to the neck organs caused by trauma;
- malignant and benign neoplasms;
- metastasis to lymph nodes;
- foreign bodies in the neck for subsequent planning of their surgical removal;
- diagnosis of neck cyst;
- damage to the cervical spine;
- infectious diseases of neck tissue (abscess, infiltrate, phlegmon);
- diverticula;
- damage to the blood vessels of the neck.
There are no contraindications for computed tomography; if it is indicated, then its negative consequences outweigh the risks.
Contraindications to the administration of a contrast agent are:
- history of severe reaction to contrast;
- the presence of allergic diseases, bronchial asthma;
- presence of hyperthyroidism;
- severe liver or kidney failure;
- period of pregnancy and lactation.
CT scans use X-ray technology and advanced computer analysis to create detailed images of the body.
Preparing for CT
You are allowed to eat a light meal before a CT scan of the neck. You should drink plenty of fluids on the day of your scan. You are allowed to take medications as usual.
You should definitely tell your doctor or CT specialist if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
Some items may interfere with CT images, so your doctor may ask you to remove the following items:
- any clothing with zippers or snaps;
- hairpins and jewelry;
- glasses;
- Hearing Aids;
- removable dental prostheses.
The patient will be asked to lie on his back, place his arms at his sides, and be very quiet. The table the patient is on will slide into the scanner. The scanner will be covered only at the level of the head and neck. The scanner is open at the back and front, allowing the patient to see. This procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
After this procedure there are no restrictions for the patient. You can eat and drive as usual. If the study was carried out with a contrast agent, you need to drink six to eight glasses to wash it out of the body.
If a CT scan of soft tissues and neck organs with contrast is planned, before administering a contrast agent, you need to clarify whether there is an allergy to any medications or. Many types of contrast contain iodine. If the patient has had an allergic reaction to contrast dye in the past, doctors will give medication to prevent a reaction to the contrast dye before the scan.
If you have underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart problems, multiple myeloma, or kidney disease, you may increase your risk of a contrast reaction. For example, kidney disease makes it difficult to remove contrast material from the blood.
Because a CT scan uses x-rays, no other people are allowed in the room during the test.
For young patients, a parent may remain in the room with their child to help reduce fear and provide comfort. The parent will need to wear a protective apron to limit exposure to the radiation used in the scan.
How to scan
The specialist helps the patient take the correct position on the CT scanner table. Soft straps or tape may be used to help keep the neck in the correct position.
During the scan, the patient will be inside the CT scanner machine. Many X-rays will pass through the patient's body as the X-ray tube rotates around him. The machine will take pictures from many angles, creating cross-sectional images (slices) of the neck.
The technologist leaves the room. During the scan, the patient will be alone in the room, but the technologist can always see, hear and talk to him through the intercom.
The patient must remain still while the table is moved to the center of the scanner. In addition, the patient also needs to hold down the button while scanning. The best CT images are stored for evaluation of the results.
For the first few checks, the table is moved quickly through the scanner. These first checks check that the starting position is correct. The table will move more slowly for the rest of the scan. The neck scan can take up to 15 minutes. Then the doctor looks at the photos on a computer.
Some patients require a contrast study. Patients will receive contrast (x-ray dye) during the scan. The contrast makes tissues and blood vessels more visible to the doctor's view in CT scans.
How does the patient feel during the scan?
A CT scan is painless, but the patient may experience some discomfort while standing on the scanning table.
If contrast is used during injection, the patient may notice a warm, fuzzy feeling. He may also experience a metallic taste in his mouth. These reactions are normal. They should go away within 1-2 minutes.
From time to time, the patient experiences itching for several hours after receiving contrast. You need to inform your doctor about this so that he can prescribe appropriate treatment.
You should also immediately tell your doctor if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or shortness of breath after a CT scan with contrast, as this may be an allergic reaction. A doctor or nurse will be nearby during the scan to assist the patient if needed.
Who interprets the results and how to get them
A radiologist experienced in reading CT scans will review and interpret the CT images. The radiologist will not talk to the patient about the results. The radiologist will send a detailed report to the doctor who referred the patient for testing. And the doctor will talk with the patient about the results of a computed tomography scan of the soft tissues and organs of the neck.
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