CT of the thoracic spine
Computed tomography (CT) of the thoracic spine is an X-ray examination that provides images of the external and internal structures of the thoracic spine, including soft tissues and lymph nodes and blood vessels.
Modern CT capabilities allow you to build images in a three-dimensional image and obtain data that cannot be obtained by other research methods.
The procedure is absolutely painless and does not cause discomfort to the patient. Unlike standard X-ray examinations, the X-ray dose with CT is minimal.
Indications
CT of the thoracic spine is indicated for any disease affecting this part of the spinal column and adjacent structures. Most often, tomography is prescribed for such pathologies:
- spinal injury;
- musculoskeletal pathologies (osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, osteoporosis);
- narrowing of the spinal column;
- pain in the region of the thoracic spine of unclear etiology;
- posture disorders;
- rehabilitation period after spinal surgery (recovery control);
- tumors.
Contraindications
With all the safety of the procedure, CT should be abstained from during pregnancy and lactation, with exacerbation of renal failure, if it is impossible to remain motionless (hyperkinesia), in the presence of metal objects in the area under study (for example, titanium implants). Most CT scanners are not designed to be examined with a patient weighing over 150 kilograms. However, the capabilities of our equipment allow us to study patients of any size.
A CT scan with a contrast agent should be avoided if you are allergic to iodine, during lactation, and if you have kidney failure.
How is the procedure
No special preparation for CT is required. However, in the case when intravenous administration of a contrast agent is necessary for the procedure (when examining soft tissues), before the procedure, it is necessary to refrain from eating and drinking for 6 hours.
The study takes place in loose clothing made from natural fabrics, which will be given to you at the clinic. In the tomography room, it is necessary to remove all jewelry and metal objects, then lie down on the tomograph table and remain motionless for 10-15 minutes. At this time, the table moves in the space of the scanner, which takes pictures of the investigated area in different projections.
If a study with a contrast agent is shown, the same sequence of actions is repeated after intravenous administration of the drug.
If it is impossible to remain motionless due to severe back pain, you must first take analgesics, with claustrophobia - sedatives.
Diagnostics
The images obtained during the CT scan are recorded on a digital carrier, and the doctor proceeds to decipher the results. Your health care provider who ordered your procedure will interpret the test results and diagnose. As a rule, you can get a description of the images and a doctor's consultation in our clinic on the day of the study.
Advantages of CT in JSC "Medicine" (Clinic of Academician Roytberg)
We use devices with the highest resolution, which allow us to detect minimal pathological changes, diagnose at the earliest stages of the disease and prescribe timely and targeted therapy. We conduct research with the utmost comfort - including for claustrophobic and obese patients. In some cases, we use short general anesthesia, when it is impossible to maintain immobility without it for some reason. In difficult cases, we determine the patient's treatment tactics collectively, with the involvement of academicians of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.
Get diagnosed at Medicina JSC (academician Roytberg's clinic) with comfort!
Doctors
