Spine CT is a modern layer-by-layer examination of the human body. It is based on computer measurement and processing of the difference in the attenuation of X-ray radiation by tissues that are different in their density.
Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to examine the organ from different angles. At the heart of the CT scan is a special X-ray computed tomograph. It is he who scans the human body and allows you to get a detailed picture.
Indications for CT of the spine
The indications for CT of the spine are varied. Most often, the procedure is carried out in order to identify his injuries, as well as diagnose the cause of back pain, including a herniated disc.
In addition, it allows you to assess the condition of the spine before and after surgery. It is possible to detect various types of tumors of the spinal column, including metastatic tumors. Some types of neoplasms are capable of producing distant metastases precisely in the bone tissue of the vertebrae.
CT can detect the presence of a herniated disc, assess bone density, and predict a possible compression fracture of the vertebra, especially in patients with osteoporosis.
The procedure is also carried out as a diagnosis. For example, when biopsy a suspicious area or removing fluid from an abscess. Tomography is also indicated for people with narrowing of the spinal canal, vertebral fractures, infectious-inflammatory or degenerative diseases such as arthritis. In this case, a CT scan of the spine will provide a detailed picture of the disease.
MRI or CT of the spine?
For a long time, people argue which is better than an MRI or CT scan of the spine. The main difference between these procedures lies in the different physical phenomena that are used in the devices. For CT, this is X-ray radiation, thanks to which you can get an idea of the physical state of matter. MRI allows you to get acquainted with the data of hydrogen atoms, that is, about chemical structure fabrics.
MRI is more informative in case of intolerance to a radiopaque contrast agent, which is injected with CT. It allows you to find out more information in case of brain tumor, inflammation of brain tissue, stroke, multiple sclerosis. It is also prescribed for cancer staging.
CT, in turn, shows more information in intracranial hematomas, brain injuries, brain tumors, lesions of the bones of the base of the skull, paranasal sinuses and temporal bones. It is used for aneurysms, atherosclerosis, sinusitis, otitis media, diseases of the spine, lung cancer, tuberculosis, etc. The procedure is especially sensitive to recognize interstitial changes in the lung tissue, fibrosis and to search for peripheral lung cancer at the preclinical stage.
In fact, each of these procedures is effective in its own way. It is difficult to single out one of them. Usually, preference for one or another procedure is given depending on the problem at hand. A CT scan of the spine allows you to show a more complete picture of what is happening than an MRI.
How is CT of the spine performed?
Do you know how a CT scan of the spine is performed? The patient needs to lie down on a special table. During the study, he gradually enters the chamber of the cylindrical apparatus. This is where the X-ray emitter and sensor are located. In order to obtain a layer-by-layer cut of tissues and organs, these "components" are made around the patient in an arc. When one layer is obtained, the table moves a little and thus allows you to make another cut. The received information immediately goes to the computer, where it is processed and summed up with other images. The end result is a full-fledged picture of a layer of a particular organ at a certain depth.
It is important that the patient is stationary during the examination. If the person is too agitated, sedatives are taken.
When using CT contrast medium, it is smoothly injected into the patient's vein. In addition, computed tomography can be performed after an examination such as myelography, when a radiopaque contrast agent is injected into the spaces of the spinal canal. With this procedure, you can identify tumors or identify areas of inflammation or compression of the nerve roots.
Sometimes the patient is asked to hold his breath. This will produce a clearer picture. Some people are claustrophobic. Therefore, before the procedure, they are prescribed sedatives. On average, a CT scan of the spine lasts 30 minutes.
CT scan of the spine
Comprehensive information can be obtained from CT diagnostics of the spine. Moreover, in this case we are talking about both the smallest details and serious changes in the bone tissue.
This procedure allows you to identify the location, structural features of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, vertebral joints, accurately determine the diameter of the spinal canal, its shape, filling, symmetry, identify stenosis of the spinal canal, etc.
There are certain indications for which it is worth performing this procedure. So, CT allows you to assess the quality of bone tissue, its rarefaction, defects, growth of cartilage tissue, degeneration of intervertebral discs. Tomography diagnoses injuries, curvature of the spine, displacement of the vertebrae, infectious lesions and abscesses, congenital anomalies and tumor growth.
On average, diagnostics does not take more than 5 minutes and special preparation for such a procedure is not required. CT of the spine can be performed in critically ill patients, on an outpatient basis and on an inpatient basis.
The person does not experience any sensations during the procedure. Serious complications after it are also not observed. Therefore, there are no special contraindications to the procedure, with the exception of excess weight and pregnancy. With extreme caution, CT of the spine is used in the presence of diabetes mellitus, severe kidney disease, and possible allergic reactions.
CT of the cervical spine
CT of the cervical spine allows you to obtain cross-layer images of the spine, as well as to reveal minor differences in the density of normal and pathologically altered tissues.
Often this particular part of the spine is subject to degenerative-dystrophic processes. There are even several varieties of this phenomenon. These are hernias, protrusions and a combination of these two phenomena together.
The study by this procedure is intended to study the structure and diagnose diseases of the spinal column at the level of the cervical spine. Tomography is very clearly able to show the state of the bodies and processes of the spinal canal, the spinal cord, and visualizes the intervertebral discs and ligaments somewhat worse. Thanks to this procedure, fractures, tumors, hematomas and other pathologies can be identified.
Usually, CT of the cervical spine is performed for malignant tumors, hernias, abnormalities in the development of the vertebrae, osteoporosis, hemorrhage in spinal cord, headaches, etc.
CT of the thoracic spine
CT scan of the thoracic spine is performed if there is positive x-ray evidence, which suggests that the patient has a lung tumor. In addition, it is used for neoplasms of the pleura, chest wall and mediastinum.
It is widely used for suspected metastatic lung disease. As a lymph node diagnosis, CT is also performed. It is also used to clarify the prevalence, localization and character inflammatory organs chest in difficult diagnostic cases.
In addition, the procedure is carried out to assess the volume and nature of traumatic changes and to identify foreign bodies in the lungs and mediastinum. In general, the need for such a study should be confirmed by a doctor. After all, there are contraindications. Although they are not persistent, they can nevertheless lead to unpleasant consequences. Spine CT is one of the most common procedures today, which allows you to see all developmental anomalies and pathologies.
CT of the lumbar spine
During CT lumbar the spine is irradiated with an X-ray beam. This allows you to make a layer-by-layer image of tissues and, thanks to this, establish pathological changes. This diagnostic method allows excellent viewing of bone tissue and is one of the most accurate. In the enlarged images, it is possible to see individual bone beams.
The result of tomography allows us to conclude that there are degenerative, inflammatory and destructive processes, as well as developmental abnormalities and circulatory disorders and tumors.
A CT scan is suitable for examining the spinal column. But with the help of this technique, it is impossible to identify well the diseases of the soft tissues of the back. X-rays are reflected by dense tissues, but they pass freely through any hollow structures, so that dense tissues in the images look like white areas of darkening, and hollow structures - like dark areas of enlightenment. CT is usually prescribed to diagnose diseases of the spinal column itself.
In many cases, tomography is the best method for detecting diseases of the spine. It is more accurate because it is possible to obtain layer-by-layer images. CT scan of the lumbar spine reveals such diseases as developmental anomalies in the lumbosacral spine, benign and malignant tumors, back injuries, destructive processes in the vertebrae, and more. With a CT scan of the spine, the radiation dose is small, so there are no special contraindications for it.
CT scan of the lumbosacral spine
A CT scan of the lumbosacral spine shows the condition of the bone tissue of the vertebrae. In addition, thanks to this procedure, it is possible to see the lumen of the spinal canal, the structure of the terminal part of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
To a somewhat worse degree, the procedure shows disorders of the ligamentous apparatus and intervertebral discs. Thanks to it, it is possible to identify inflammation, destruction, trauma and neoplasms of all of the above structures. That is why this procedure is prescribed to clarify the X-ray data in the case of an unclear or doubtful diagnosis. Which allows you to really look at the situation from the other side.
CT scan of the lumbosacral spine is prescribed for spinal fractures, malignant and benign tumors, osteochondrosis, spondylosis, vertebral instability, spinal lesions in rheumatic diseases, spinal stenosis and spinal cord hemorrhage.
CT of the spine with contrast
CT scan of the spine with contrast implies the introduction of a special substance into the human body. This procedure is used in rare cases, it allows you to improve the visualization of the required structures. Usually, agents based on iodine are used as a substance. Naturally, people with intolerances of this component, this procedure should never be used.
The selected drug is injected into a vein and accumulates in the tissues, thus producing an improved visualization in the images. The agent penetrates especially well into the richly vascularized organs and tissues. Therefore, the procedure is often used to identify pathological foci with increased blood flow. Usually these are areas of inflammation, as well as malignant neoplasms.
You should not worry about the contrast itself, it is completely excreted from the human body after 1-1.5 days. It does not carry any danger, but only to people who have a normal reaction to iodine. CT of the spine, with contrast, is a highly demanded procedure.
Contraindications for CT of the spine
There are also contraindications to CT of the spine. First of all, this is pregnancy. During this period, you should not expose a woman's body to X-ray irradiation. The procedure should not be applied to people who have an intolerance to preparations containing iodine. This is usually done for contrast-enhanced studies.
The interpretation of the results of a CT scan of the spine is carried out exclusively by a specialist. Understand on your own what in question almost impossible.
The results of the study are issued to the patient immediately upon completion. As a rule, these are pictures taken on one or several large format films, their descriptions. If a person has performed a three-dimensional tomography, then in addition to these data, he is given a disk.
With the conclusion received, the patient returns to the attending physician, who directs him to this procedure. The specialist examines the obtained images, examines them, reads the description and, on the basis of this, draws appropriate conclusions. Thanks to this, it is possible to confirm or deny the presence of a particular disease.
As a rule, the existing pathologies can be seen in the picture. But it is difficult for a person who does not have the appropriate education to understand this. Therefore, it is impossible to do without decoding a specialist. CT of the spine allows you to identify many pathologies and begin to eliminate them as soon as possible using the latest techniques.
Usually, patients wishing to undergo this procedure go in search of modern clinics. The thing is that there is new equipment here, which practically does not give any errors. Moreover, the results of the study are not only recorded on the picture, but also recorded on a special disk. This measure allows you to save a person from re-conducting the study in case of loss of results.
Technology does not stand still. Today, there are not so few different complexes and equipment that allow for quick diagnostics. But basically all this is in modern clinics. Therefore, CT of the spine is performed directly in them.
Spine CT price
The cost of a CT scan of the spine may vary depending on the clinic and its location. The type of procedure also affects the cost. So it can be normal, or with the use of a contrast agent, which significantly increases the amount.
The price of computed tomography also takes into account the research objectives. Much depends on what "area" the research is being conducted in. The volume of work, area and location of the scanning area also play an important role.
Do not forget that additional services may be included in the price. These include: transferring results to disk, duplicating images, and others. Therefore, it is worth checking the amount at each clinic separately. On average, in Ukraine, the cost of the procedure starts from 400 hryvnia. V Russian Federation the price varies from 3 to 10 thousand rubles, depending on the "zone" of the study. In general, a CT scan of the spine can really have a different cost, so it is better to clarify everything in the chosen clinic.
The spine is the base of the skeleton, which performs the most important function: protecting the spinal cord from damage, which in turn transmits nerve impulses to every cell of the body, which allows a person to move and live a full life. The slightest violations occurring in the spinal region respond instantly, different kind pain. Most often, these changes are felt by the lower back. And if there is discomfort in this area, this is already a serious reason to seek the advice of a specialist and undergo a CT scan of the lumbar spine.
What is CT and what will the study show?
CT diagnostics is a method of layer-by-layer scanning internal organs and the human skeletal system, which uses X-rays. With the help of a system for regulating the strength of the rays and their direction, a layer-by-layer scan of a certain area is carried out, the result is recorded on an information carrier.
Computed tomography of the lumbar spine is performed to study the parameters of the skeletal system and identify inflammatory processes. The method visualizes in detail each vertebra, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, ligaments. In addition, it will show the state of the paravertebral muscular system, tendons, vessels. The tomograph transmits a clearer image of the internal system of a person, and, in contrast to a standard X-ray machine, gives a smaller proportion of radiation.
CT diagnostics at an early stage will show the development inflammatory process or the appearance of a neoplasm, and a study using a contrast agent will explain how dangerous it is - whether this tumor is benign or malignant.
When is CT of the spine performed?
There is a constant load on the lumbar spine, which leads to gradual wear and displacement of the intervertebral discs. This results in various bone diseases and hernias. The pain accompanied by these processes constrains the mobility of a person, reduces his ability to work.
Spine structure
Sometimes, pain in the lumbar spine can occur due to abnormalities in the thoracic spine. In this case, the upper parts of the spine are also examined to obtain a complete picture. Computer scans of the spine are performed in the following testimony:
- If you suspect the development of a tumor;
- For the detection and examination of intervertebral hernia;
- In the case of congenital or acquired pathological changes in the spinal cord;
- Suspected displacement of the vertebrae, and impaired motor function;
- To confirm or exclude a spinal abscess;
- If changes were previously found in the processes of the nerves;
- If you receive even minor injuries of the spine, especially if pains begin to be felt in this area of different nature: from aching to sharp and stabbing;
- To study the work of the circulatory system;
- For dynamic control after surgery;
- When the spinal canal narrows, resulting in compression of the spinal cord (stenosis);
- To study the nature of the occurrence of neoplasms in the vertebral region and adjacent tissues;
- With frequent, the appearance of which was not explained by other research methods;
- To control changes in bone tissue in osteoporosis;
- Tomography is carried out during a preventive examination of athletes and citizens who, in the course of their activities, are associated with serious stress on the back.
- To confirm the diagnosis after other diagnostic methods (MRI, ultrasound, X-ray).
Contraindications and precautions
The high efficiency shown by computed tomography is not a reason to assign this type of diagnosis to everyone, without exception. The study has a number of contraindications that patients should be aware of, and if they fall into the “taboo” category, the referring doctor should be warned about the presence of factors that exclude the diagnosis. CT is not performed:
- Due to radioactive exposure, pregnancy is an absolute contraindication;
- In case of fear of a closed space - during the process, the subject is placed in a chamber in which you need to lie motionless for a certain time;
- When the patient's weight exceeds the allowable norm for the device - 130 kg.
There is a constant load on the lumbar spine, which leads to gradual wear and displacement of the intervertebral discs.
CT scan with contrast:
- In case of an allergic reaction to iodine, diagnosis is impossible;
- In case of serious violations of the liver, only after consultation with the leading doctor of the disease, and after passing the appropriate tests;
- During breastfeeding, the attachment of the child to the breast is suspended for a day, until the substance is removed from the mother's body. At this time, the baby is fed with milk or mixtures expressed before the examination.
- Computed tomography with contrast is not performed immediately after a barium x-ray.
Children under 14 years of age are also contraindications to CT examination. But due to circumstances, when the development of the disease bears more harm to the body than X-ray irradiation from the apparatus, and other diagnostic methods do not show the cause of the disease, the examination is also carried out for newborns.
How is CT scan performed?
Special preparation for the examination is not required, except for those cases when contrast will be used - 6 hours before its administration, the patient must refrain from eating. You need to bring with you to the examination:
- Direction;
- An extract from the medical history;
- Previous survey results (images, conclusions).
The scanning process is as follows:
- The examinee should be in a light T-shirt, or in a disposable gown;
- All metal jewelry is removed from the body;
- Dentures, external stimulators, hearing aids, glasses will also interfere with scanning, they must be removed;
- When using contrast, the doctor must make sure that the patient is not allergic to the substance; for clarification, if the patient is not sure about the absence of allergy to the drug, a test is performed on the elbow;
- To obtain clear and high-quality images, immobility is required during the scan (when diagnosing young children, sleeping pills are injected to ensure immobility).
After clarifying all the nuances and preparation, the patient lies down on a sliding table, he is moved to the scanner chamber. At first, the procedure is carried out without the introduction of contrast, after the patient "leaves" to the initial position, the substance is injected to him, and again it is moved into the emitter chamber. The duration of the procedure usually lasts no more than 10 minutes, without contrast, this time is much shorter.
After applying the contrast, it is advisable to stay 1 - 1.5 in the clinic and make sure that there is no negative reaction in the form of dizziness or allergies. After processing the data, the information is saved and handed over to the patient in two versions: on a digital carrier and in printed form. The results are usually ready for issuance in at least half an hour.
What can replace CT?
For serious spinal injuries, CT will more accurately show the sites of fractures, chips and cracks.
Computed tomography is one of the most powerful and comprehensive diagnostic methods. But along with a good result, patients also receive a certain dose of radiation, which leads many to the idea of looking for an alternative to this type of research.
There is an alternative - diagnostics using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. This is a safe device, does not harm the body and is not contraindicated for pregnant women and children from birth. But why, then, does the doctor, when examining the spine and other bone tissues, direct it to CT?
CT and MRI, each in its own way, are devices for deep diagnostics of disorders in the human body, and the only thing in which they will show the same result is the work of the circulatory system and inflammatory foci. But there is a certain difference in their work: a magnetic tomograph is more used for examining soft and cartilaginous tissues, nervous system, and will not reveal all the changes occurring in the skeletal system.
For serious spinal injuries, CT will more accurately show the sites of fractures, chips and cracks, which will allow you to take the right measures during the treatment process. In emergency situations, CT allows you to get the result faster, MRI scan takes at least 15 minutes. The final choice between diagnostic methods, nevertheless, must be made by the attending physician, based on the patient's symptoms and the information that he should receive as a result of the examination.
CT of the spine is a much more effective and informative diagnostic technique that allows you to accurately identify diseases and make diagnoses. Compared to conventional radiography, it is much more accurate, more reliable and safer, since the radiation dosage is significantly reduced. Depending on the area of examination, there are several types of it: CT of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrococcygeal. In some cases, it is necessary to examine the entire spinal column at once to identify systemic disorders.
A variety of symptoms can provoke such a check: persistent headaches, heaviness in the back, numbness of the arms or legs, any other signs of spinal diseases. Including heart pains. The fact is that the slightest disturbances in the work of this organ lead to pathologies in other parts of the body, which makes it difficult to diagnose them in a timely manner. The tomograph takes a series of layered images in different projections, which allows you to build a two or three-dimensional image.
Indications
A referral for examination is usually given by a surgeon or neurologist. The purpose of the procedure is to identify the ailment, to select the maximum effective treatment... During the examination, they usually diagnose:
- Spine injuries, bruises and cracks
- Developmental anomalies, anatomical features
- Osteochondrosis
- Tumors, metastases
- Inflammatory diseases
- Arthritis and scoliosis of the spine
- Intervertebral hernias, etc.
An examination is also necessary before carrying out operations and to monitor the course of treatment. The picture will recreate a detailed image of the vertebrae, processes and the nervous system.
Contraindications
There is only one absolute contraindication for such an examination - pregnancy. Even small doses of radiation can harm a growing body. Since in most cases the examination is performed with contrast, CT is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment and with diabetes mellitus... A contrast agent based on iodine is also contraindicated for persons with endocrine diseases, allergies to this substance. Patients with severe obesity may be denied the procedure, because the device is designed for a weight of up to 120-130 kg. A person may simply not fit into the scanning ring.
Preparation
The patient's task, if the use of contrast is planned, is to follow a small diet on the eve of the examination. Especially if a scan of the lumbar and sacral regions is planned - in order to exclude increased gas production in the intestine. On the day of the examination, you should refrain from food 4-5 hours before the start of the procedure. A few days before the tomography, it is necessary to pass a biochemical blood test to find out the amount of creatinine. And you should also make sure that the patient is not allergic to the components of the contrast medium.
An important role is played by the clothes in which the patient lies on the tomograph table - they should be free of metal elements and not cause discomfort to the person himself. Many clinics offer a disposable gown instead of regular clothing, which is great for this type of examination.
How do they do it?
During the tomography, the patient lies on his back on the movable table of the tomograph. As the scan progresses, the table smoothly moves the body, exposing different areas to the X-ray beams. The device emits a small crack during operation, which usually does not cause discomfort. If contrast is needed, it is administered intravenously approximately in the middle of the examination. You may need to hold your breath for a few seconds to avoid smearing the chest images.
While the tomograph is working, only the patient is in the office. The doctor observes the progress of the procedure from an adjacent room through a transparent window. It does not last long - 15-20 minutes. The survey results are issued on the same day. As a rule, within an hour after the completion of the procedure.
Using contrast
Contrast is not always used, but it is irreplaceable if there is even the slightest suspicion of neoplasms in the spine. The substance administered intravenously quickly spreads through the vessels, therefore it allows you to clearly see soft tissue, the blood supply system. Thanks to the contrast enhancement, all the anatomical features of the examined area are visible in the images.
Using contrast for 10 minutes makes the procedure longer. Usually the substance does not cause side effects... But unpleasant sensations such as nausea, itching, light dizziness are possible. These symptoms disappear within an hour, and after a day or a little more, the contrast is completely excreted from the body in a natural way. To speed up this process, it is recommended to drink more fluids.
Method advantages
- Radiation exposure compared to conventional radiography is significantly lower
- It is possible to diagnose most of the known diseases and pathologies of the spine
- The procedure is quick and does not cause any particular discomfort
- With the help of a special program, a three-dimensional image is built, thanks to which you can see all the structural features of the bone structures, the nervous system and soft tissues of the spine
Potential risks
The main hazard is the radiation that the patient is exposed to during the scan. Although the dosage is minimal and with a single use is not capable of harming health, do not forget that radiation can accumulate in the body. Therefore, time must pass between tomography and other methods of radiation diagnostics.
Another danger is contrast, which in some cases causes severe allergic reactions. If the patient's nausea and itching increase, and his health worsens, then the examination is stopped, and the patient is given antihistamines.
Alternatives
The easiest way to examine the spine is to take an x-ray. It helps to see fractures, cracks, scoliosis and other changes in the structure of bone structures. This technique is characterized by increased radiation exposure and is contraindicated in children and pregnant women. Another method of MSCT is essentially the same computed tomography, only with a reduced dose of radiation. The speed of carrying out is also reduced.
You can avoid X-rays with the help of MRI - an informative and absolutely safe method that is suitable even for children and pregnant women. For accurate visualization of specific vertebrae, discography is performed - the discs between the vertebrae are examined using an X-ray and the introduction of a radiopaque substance inside. One of the most modern and accurate methods of complex diagnostics is PET CT - an invention of nuclear medicine, which has not yet gained sufficient popularity. This technique allows you to see simultaneously the structure of the bone structure, the features of the work of soft tissues, blood vessels in real time.
Price
The cost of a CT scan of the spine depends on the area of examination. If you need to scan the entire spine, it will cost between 9-11 thousand rubles. Checking one department costs about 3-5 thousand rubles. The price may vary depending on the clinic, the use of contrast, whether you need to write to disk and decrypt the data received. MSCT of the spine will cost 2-3 thousand rubles more. An MRI scan of one area costs about 4-6 thousand rubles, and the entire spinal cord costs 12 thousand and more. Discography will cost a little more and cost an average of 6-8 thousand rubles.
PET CT will cost the most - from 40 to 60 thousand rubles. This price is due to the low availability of the technique, the use of rare equipment. The contrast for this survey has a limited shelf life and is made just prior to the inspection.
A CT scan of the spine is an X-ray image of all parts of the spinal column. The investigated area of the human body is scanned at once from different angles. The received information is processed by a computer and issued in the form of layer-by-layer images. Since the tomograph can take pictures in different sections, they are very clear, and do not interfere with seeing the soft tissues located behind them. Modern equipment allows scanning very quickly, sometimes in a few seconds.
What does a CT scan of the spine show? This survey method human body allows you to examine in detail and study the vertebrae, their processes, intervertebral discs, ligaments and spinal cord, as well as assess the state of soft tissues located near the spinal column (cartilage, tendons, muscles, blood vessels). CT provides clear and detailed images of organs, bones, and vascular systems, which distinguishes it from an X-ray examination.
As a rule, CT is prescribed to study diseases, pathologies and injuries in the back. A study can also be prescribed if a person complains of persistent headaches, back pain of unknown origin. Such a study can be prescribed by doctors for the prevention of diseases, especially for people engaged in heavy physical labor with strong back loads, and athletes.
Indications for CT of the spine
MRI better "sees" soft tissues (muscles, brain, nerves, intervertebral discs, blood vessels), but is not suitable for examining dense structures, therefore CT is prescribed for examining bone tissue.
We are accustomed to traditional methods of diagnosing back diseases, with which we have been familiar since childhood: for example, with x-ray or ultrasound examination... But these methods are rather approximate and far from omnipotent, and by them you can often get only a general picture of the state of the diseased organ. On the X-ray of the spine, we can see a vertebral fracture, displacement, the presence of pathology: osteochondrosis, spondylosis, and other dystrophic processes. However, radiography will not show everything:
- Initial signs of the process and its stage
- State
- Herniation
- Intervertebral canal stenosis
- Condition of intervertebral discs, ligaments and joints and many other details
This is all within the power of computed tomography of the spine. Let's look at how the process of computer diagnostics itself takes place and how it differs from other types of examination.
Computed tomography of the back and its features
Computed tomography of the spine (CT)- high-precision study, which allows using X-ray irradiation to obtain a layer-by-layer digital image of the investigated vertebral region with its subsequent computer processing
The distance between the layers is 0.5 - 1 mm.
The method has a lot of possibilities:
- With this device, you can examine all parts of the spine:
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, lumbosacral and coccygeal - Full detailing of all elements and the spinal cord
- Diagnostics the following pathologies:
- and other DDP (degenerative dystrophic processes)
- injuries and displacements
- congenital anomalies of the vertebrae and joints
- cysts, tumors and metastases
- osteoporosis
- narrowing of the spinal canal
- osteomyelitis
- arthritis
- epidural abscess
- Monitoring a spinal biopsy or spinal cord puncture
- Angiography
- Spinal examination before and after surgery and many other options
It is advisable to periodically conduct CT in breast or prostate oncology - these diseases are "famous" for metastasis to the spine.
The principle of operation of a computed tomograph
- The desired back section is examined by moving the X-ray emitter and camera along the spinal section:
taking step-by-step shots at a cutoff distance - At the same time, by rotating the tomograph camera, the beam projection angle changes - thus spiral tomography, What allow:
- get images of not only the vertebrae, but also the soft tissues behind them
- reduce the examination time, which is very important in diagnosing children and people with a shaky psyche who cannot withstand prolonged immobility and being in a confined space
- A more accurate computer study of the spine is carried out using contrast agent injected into a vein shortly before the procedure
- Computed tomography of the spine is also used in parallel with myelography- the introduction of contrast into the spinal canal, in order to identify tumors, inflammation, nerve entrapment
- You can get a three-dimensional image
How is the examination carried out?
- Diagnosis is done on an empty stomach: you cannot eat six hours before, and drink one hour before the CT scan.
- At least eight hours should elapse between the X-ray of the stomach or intestines using the barium mixture and the CT scan.
- Before the tomography session, you must take off all objects that can be projected onto the image (glasses, hairpins, crosses, etc.)
- Then you need to lie down on the tomograph table
- During the entire movement of the table, the patient tries to remain motionless.
- The laboratory assistant conducting the examination is in another room and keeps in touch with the subject
Comparison of two methods of diagnostics of the spine
CT is often compared to another diagnostic technique called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- even more accurate examination: it allows you to get not only an ultra-precise image of the spine, vertebrae and their processes, joints and ligaments, but also an image of the smallest nerves and blood vessels
- There is no harmful radiation during MRI - the principle of magnetic influence is used here
But computed tomography has its advantages over MRI:
- Rapid examination speed (eg, lumbar CT scan rate of about five minutes)
Modern multispiral computed tomography(MSCT) uses two sources of X-ray radiation, which allows to increase not only the speed, but also the resolution of the image. Thus, using MSCT, you can examine the coronary arteries.
There are practically no contraindications for MSCT, with the exception of allergy to a radio-opaque substance
- Immobility requirements for examinations are less stringent than MRI
- CT diagnostics can be performed with metal implants and pacemakers
- CT scans cost less than MRI
It makes no sense to compare both methods in terms of which one is better: in some studies it is more expedient to use CT, in others - MRI.
As always, Dr. Sperling will tell you about this in the video at the end of the article.
Preparing for a CT scan of the back
CT scan of the lumbar and lumbosacral regions requires preliminary preparation. This is necessary for greater image reliability:
- One day before the examination, foods that cause increased gas production are excluded from the diet.
- A cleansing enema is done the night before.
If you are allergic to iodine, contrast tomography is not done for the lumbar spine.
The results of CT diagnostics are studied radiologist, which then proceeds, depending on the medical opinion, and sends the patient to one of the following specialists:
- Traumatologist
- Vertebrologist (orthopedist, neurologist, neurosurgeon)
- Rheumatologist
- Oncologist
General contraindications for CT
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Age up to 6 years
These limitations are relative, their cause is radiation exposure, which ranges from 2 to 10 microsieverts (msv). To understand how much it is - a lot or a little, you need to compare this dose with the total background training that a person receives over three to five years. - Claustrophobia
Fear of a confined space is also a relative contraindication. The use of a sedative sedative in addition to a short procedure time allows you to completely cope with this problem. - Mental aggravations
- Too much weight
This, alas, is an absolute contraindication: if a person is too obese, he simply will not fit into the tomograph camera.
Modern devices, for example, of the Siemens brand, can withstand a patient's weight up to 180 kg.
The cost of computer diagnostics
Among the advantages of CT, we mentioned the relatively inexpensive price of this type of diagnosis. At the end of the article, we will tell our readers how much a CT scan costs for various parts of the back.
- Computed tomography of the cervical spine (CT) at the Stolitsa medical center costs about 4,200 rubles
- The cost of a CT scan of the lumbar spine is within the same range
- The most expensive examination of the spine is for metastatic prostate cancer:
In this case, CT is performed in three dimensions, using a contrast agent.... The price of such a study is about 20,000 rubles.
The figures given are relative:
- they could change over time
- the cost of the same diagnostics in different centers does not coincide
Therefore, if you want to know exactly how much CT diagnostics cost, and which one you should carry out, contact the consultants of the diagnostic centers directly.
