CT LOWER NECK & THORAX

A CT scan of the lower neck and thorax is a sophisticated imaging method that evaluates the lower neck and upper chest anatomy. It offers high-resolution cross-sectional images that assist in evaluating the blood vessels, airways, lymph nodes, and bones, and is essential in diagnosing various disorders from injuries to cancerous growths. 

What is CT Lower Neck & Thorax? 

This scan employs X-rays and computer equipment to construct elaborate images of the lower neck, including the cervical vertebrae and surrounding vessels, as well as thoracic organs like the lungs, heart, great vessels, trachea, and ribs. With or without the use of contrast, it provides fundamental diagnostic information for many conditions. 

Parameters Considered

• Airway patency and integrity. 
• Paratracheal and supraclavicular lymph node involvement. 
• Vascular anatomy and pathology. 
• Lung and pleural tissues. 
• Bones and sternoclavicular joints. 

Reasons for the Test

• Diagnosis and determining the stage of thoracic cancers. 
• Finding metastasis or recurrence. 
• Looking at abdominal viscera to check mediastinal or hilar viscera pathology. 
• Examining thoracic pain or mass with an unexplained reason. 

When and Who Needs This Scan? 

Indications: 

• Chest or neck pain that is persistent or has no clear explanation. 
• Possible infection, cancer, or vascular disease. 
• Chronic cough or haemoptysis (coughing blood). 
• Evaluation of neck masses or pathology of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. 
• Assessment prior to surgery or after surgical intervention. 

Patient Demographics: 

• Patients with a known history of tuberculosis or malignancy. 
• Individuals with chronic respiratory symptoms. 
• Trauma patients with suspected injuries of the chest or neck. 
• Cancer staging or surveillance. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Provides fast results. 
• Non-invasive, pain-free method. 
• Acquires high-resolution soft tissue and bone detail simultaneously 
• Provides value during emergency assessments (e.g. trauma, embolism) 
• A necessary procedure for staging and surveillance of oncologic processes 

Conditions Diagnosed

• Carcinoma of the lung and of the oesophagus 
• Mediastinal lymphadenopathies of undetermined aetiology 
• Aortic Aneurysm or dissection 
• Pulmonary embolism 
• Tracheal or bronchial stenosis 

Preparation

• Fasting for four to six hours (if contrast is utilized) 
• Remove necklaces and other metallic pieces of jewelry 
• If contrast is planned, ensure the tests of renal function are up to date. 

Pre-requisites 

• Must be accompanied with a physician’s referral 
• If necessary, give permission for contrast to be used. 
• Provide clinical notes as well as prior images for comparative analysis. 

Best Time to Take the Scan 

• As per clinical need or dictated by the physician. 
• Reports are prepared more rapidly in the morning. 

Eligibility 

• Most patients are accepted without problem. 
• Special care in pregnant women and those with reduced renal function. 

Procedure 

• Supine position on the CT table. 
• If required, contrast can be given via an intravenous line. 
• Instruction of breath-hold is given to prevent motion artifacts. 
• Scanning is completed within 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Comprehensive assessment is performed on reconstructed images. 

Caution 

• Provide the radiologist with any allergies, asthma, kidney disease information. 
• Stay still, follow instruction, and control your breathing during the scan.