A computed tomography (CT) scan of the thoracis spine is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the upper back (thoracic spine).
Alternative NamesCAT scan - thoracic spine; Computed axial tomography scan - thoracic spine; Computed tomography scan - thoracic spine; CT scan - upper back
How the test is performedYou will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner.
Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. (Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam without stopping.)
A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the body area can be created by stacking the slices together.
You must be still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time.
The scan should take only 10-15 minutes.
How to prepare for the testCertain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays.
Contrast can be given in several ways.
If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours before the test.
Let your doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medications before the test in order to safely receive this substance.
Before receiving the contrast, tell your health care provider if you take the Diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage) because you may need to take extra precautions.
If you weigh more than 300 pounds, find out if the CT machine has a weight limit. Too much weight can cause damage to the scanner's working parts.
You will be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study.
How the test will feelSome people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.
Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning sensation, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.
Why the test is performedCT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the thoracic or middle part of the spine. The test may help diagnose or detect:
Thoracic CT scan can also be used during or after an x-ray of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots (myelography) or an x-ray of the disk (discography).
Normal ValuesResults are considered normal if the thoracic region is normal in appearance.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be due to:
Risks of CT scans include:
CT scans do expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your doctor should weigh this risk against the benefits of getting a correct diagnosis for a medical problem.
Some people have Allergies to contrast dye. Let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.
Rarely, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. If you have any trouble breathing during the test, you should notify the scanner operator immediately. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.
Special considerationsThe thoracic CT scan is good for evaluating large herniated disks, but it can miss smaller ones. This test can be combined with a myelogram to get a better image of the nerve roots and pick up smaller injuries.
ReferencesCurlee PM. Other disorders of the spine. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2007:chap 21.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/27/2010
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Benjamin Taragin, MD, Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/9/2009).
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the thoracis spine is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the upper back (thoracic spine).
Alternative NamesCAT scan - thoracic spine; Computed axial tomography scan - thoracic spine; Computed tomography scan - thoracic spine
How the test is performedYou will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. You will lie on your back with your arms up over your head.
Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. (Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam in one continuous motion.)
Small detectors inside the scanner measure the amount of x-rays that make it through the upper back. A computer takes this information and uses it to create several individual images, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the thoracic spine can be created by stacking the individual slices together.
You must be still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time.
The exam should take 15 - 30 minutes.
How to prepare for the testCertain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast can highlight specific areas inside the body, which creates a clearer image.
Some people have allergies to IV contrast and may need to take medications before their test in order to safely receive this substance.
Contrast can be given in several ways.
If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours before the test.
If you weigh more than 300 pounds, have your doctor contact the scanner operator before the exam. CT scanners have a weight limit. Too much weight can cause damage to the scanner's working parts.
Since x-rays have difficulty passing through metal, you will be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study.
How the test will feelSome people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.
Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning sensation, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.
Why the test is performedCT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the thoracic or middle part of the spine. The test may be used to evaluate:
Thoracic CT scan can also be used during or after an x-ray of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots (myelography) or an x-ray of the disk (discography).
Normal ValuesResults are considered normal if the thoracic region is normal in appearance.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be due to:
CT scans and other x-rays are strictly monitored and controlled to make sure they use the least amount of radiation. CT scans do create low levels of ionizing radiation, which has the potential to cause cancer and other defects. However, the risk associated with any individual scan is small. The risk increases as numerous additional studies are performed.
In some cases, a CT scan may still be done if the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. For example, it can be more risky not to have the exam.
The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. If a person with an iodine allergy is given this type of contrast, nausea or vomiting, sneezing, itching, or hives may occur. Let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.
If you absolutely must be given such contrast, your doctor may choose to treat you with antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.
The kidneys help filter the iodine out of the body. Therefore, those with kidney disease or diabetes should receive plenty of fluids after the test, and be closely monitored for kidney problems. If you have diabetes or are on kidney dialysis, talk to your health care provider before the test about your risks.
Before receving the contrast, tell your health care provider if you take the diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage) because you may need to take extra precautions.
Rarely, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. If you have any trouble breathing during the test, you should notify the scanner operator immediately. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.
Special considerationsThe thoracic CT scan is good for evaluating large herniated disks, but it can miss smaller ones. This test can be combined with a myelogram to get a better image of the nerve roots and pick up smaller injuries.
ReferencesCurlee PM. Other disorders of the spine. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2007:chap 21.
You really need to talk to your radiologist about your MRI - these are very complicated images that require a great deal of experience to read and be able to understand.
This disc is located between you third and forth thoracic vertebrae. It can be well visualised by MRI of the thoracic spine.
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After mri,on lower spine what does clinical correlation mean
Yes you can have an MRI with Harrinton rod in your lumbar spine. Harrington rods are made of titanium making it safe to enter an MRI Scanner.
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I recently had a lumbar spine MRI with and without contrast. My insurance company was charged $4,307 plus an additional $700+ for the radiologist's fee. When I saw the bill, I laughed thinking there must have been a mistake. Nevertheless, the insurance company actually approved $2,500 of the charges. I've had several other MRIs in the past which cost anywhere from $500 to $1750, including the radiologist's report. Since receiving the bill, I called some local imaging clinics whose charges range from $500 to $600 for a cash-pay lumbar spine MRI with and without contrast including the films and the radiologist's report. My conclusion is there is no such thing as an 'average cost' for a lumbar spine MRI. The cost is whatever the clinic wants to charge. Unfortunately, the doctor who orders the MRI usually sends you to the MRI clinic associated with his practice and he has no idea of the cost. And the patient usually trusts the doctor and doesn't bother asking the price ahead of time or shopping around. That was what happened in my case, and now I know why insurance premiums are so high. The moral: always shop around...
No, usually contrast agents are not used for MRI of the spine. The most frequent pathology when an spine MRI is requested si discal hernia (lombosciatic, disc protrusion). Then another pathology is searched and/or discovered (tumors, bone lesions), than contrast agent is required for a correct diagnosis.
Simply? No. Wearing a wire bra during an MRI scan would affect the image quality around the area where the wire is e.g. the thoracic spine or the breast. It might also feel a little strange as the wire in the bra would potentially be twisted or moved by the magnetic field.
MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain and spine, as well as the soft tissues of joints and the interior structure of bones.
It means the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your lower back are normal on MRI.
It was estimated that to do an MRI for my cat would cost approximately $1800.
Yes. There's no real limit to how many MRIs you can have because there's no radiation involved - it uses powerful magnets. The only thing is that a cervical spine MRI and a brain MRI all at the same time might take quite a while so it's senisible to space it out a bit.