CT SCAN OF ORBIT

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the orbit is a specialized, non-invasive imaging test that provides highly detailed pictures of your eye sockets and the structures within them. Its primary purpose is to create clear, cross-sectional images of the eyes, surrounding bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we utilize advanced CT technology to offer a fast and remarkably accurate diagnostic tool, which is especially critical in evaluating injuries and other urgent medical conditions affecting the eyes. This painless procedure helps your doctor make a confident diagnosis and plan the most effective course of treatment.

What is a CT Scan of Orbit?

A CT scan of the orbit works by using a series of focused X-ray beams taken from many different angles around your head. A sophisticated computer then processes these X-ray signals to generate detailed 2D and 3D images of your orbital structures. Unlike a standard X-ray that primarily shows bone, a CT scan provides a comprehensive view of:

• The Globe: The eyeball itself.
• The Optic Nerve: The crucial nerve that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain.
• Extraocular Muscles: The small muscles that control eye movement.
• Orbital Bones: The bony socket that protects the eye.
• Orbital Fat: The fatty tissue that cushions the eye within the socket.

Types of CT Scan of Orbit

CT Orbit without Contrast

This is the standard scan and is highly effective for visualizing the orbital bones. It is the primary method used to diagnose fractures, locate foreign objects, and assess trauma.

CT Orbit with Contrast

For this scan, an iodine-based contrast material (dye) is injected into a vein in your arm. This dye travels through your bloodstream and helps to highlight blood vessels and areas of inflammation or abnormal tissue.

• CT orbit with contrast indications include:
  • Suspected tumors or masses
  • Vascular issues or malformations
  • Infections, such as orbital cellulitis or an abscess

A specialized doctor called a radiologist will carefully analyze the images from your scan. They focus on several key parameters to provide a comprehensive report for your doctor:

• Orbital Bones: The integrity of the orbital floor, walls, and rim are checked for any signs of a fracture or abnormality.
• Extraocular Muscles: The radiologist assesses the size, shape, and density of the muscles that control eye movement for signs of inflammation or enlargement, which can be seen in conditions like Thyroid Eye Disease.
• Optic Nerve: The pathway and size of the optic nerve are evaluated to check for any compression, swelling, or other issues.
• Globe (Eyeball): The position, shape, and overall integrity of the eyeball are examined.
• Orbital Fat & Soft Tissues: The fat and other soft tissues behind the eye are carefully inspected for masses, inflammation, abscesses, or abnormal fluid collections.

There are several important clinical reasons your doctor may order this test:

• To diagnose or rule out a condition, especially with a CT scan for orbital fracture (like a "blowout fracture") following a facial injury.
• To investigate the underlying cause of proptosis (bulging eyes).
• To detect, evaluate, and monitor tumors, cysts, or other masses located in or behind the eye.
• To assess for orbital cellulitis (a serious infection of the tissue around the eye) and identify complications like an abscess.
• To provide detailed anatomical maps for pre-surgical planning.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Scan of Orbit?

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan of the orbit if you are experiencing symptoms that require a closer look at the anatomy of your eye sockets. Common signs include:

• Persistent or severe eye pain
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Sudden or unexplained vision loss
• Bulging of one or both eyes (proptosis)
• Significant facial trauma, especially around the eyes

This test is frequently ordered for trauma patients who have sustained an injury to the face, individuals with suspected tumors or cysts behind the eye, and patients with conditions like thyroid disease that can affect the eyes.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing to have a CT scan of the orbit offers several key advantages:

• Speed: The procedure is exceptionally fast, making it invaluable in emergency situations where time is critical.
• Accuracy: It provides excellent detail for diagnosing bone fractures and identifying acute bleeding or trauma.
• Guidance: The scan gives your medical team a clear view of your anatomy, which is essential for guiding further treatment or planning a precise surgical approach.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT scan of Orbit

This powerful diagnostic tool can help identify a wide range of conditions, including:

• Orbital fractures
• Thyroid Eye Disease (also known as Graves' Ophthalmopathy)
• Orbital tumors (both benign and malignant)
• Orbital cellulitis and abscesses
• Disorders affecting the optic nerve
• Vascular malformations

Clothing

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to change into a medical gown.

Metal Objects

You must remove glasses, jewelry, hearing aids, hairpins, and any other metal objects, as they can interfere with the image quality.

Fasting

If your doctor has ordered a scan with contrast, you will be instructed not to eat or drink for 2-4 hours before your appointment.

Pre-requisites

A referral from your doctor is required to schedule a CT scan of the orbit.
If you are scheduled to receive contrast dye, you may need a recent blood test to confirm that your kidneys are functioning well.

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of Orbit

The test can be performed at any time. In cases of trauma, it is performed as an emergency procedure. For all other scheduled examinations, you can book an appointment at your convenience with Cadabams Diagnostics.

Eligibility

Most people are eligible for a CT scan. However, it is crucial to inform our staff of any absolute contraindications, such as:

• A known severe allergy to iodine or CT contrast dye.
• Severe kidney impairment (if a contrast scan is ordered).
• Pregnancy (see caution below).

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of Orbit

Step 1 (Arrival & Check-in)

When you arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics, our friendly staff will confirm your details and appointment. If necessary, you may be asked to change into a gown.

Step 2 (IV Line Placement)

If your scan requires contrast material, a technologist will place a small IV line into a vein in your arm or hand. This feels like a quick pinch.

Step 3 (Positioning)

You will be asked to lie comfortably on your back on the scanner table. Your head will be placed in a special cradle to help you remain still during the scan.

Step 4 (Scanning)

The table will move slowly through the center of the large, donut-shaped CT machine (called the gantry). The machine is quiet, and the technologist will communicate with you through an intercom. You will be asked to hold very still to ensure the images are clear.

Step 5 (Duration)

The actual scanning time for a CT scan of the orbit is very brief, often lasting less than 5 minutes. The entire appointment, including preparation, typically takes about 30 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Pregnancy

It is vital to let us know if you are or think you might be pregnant.

Allergies

Disclose any allergies you have, especially to iodine, shellfish, or a previous X-ray or CT contrast dye.

Medical Conditions

Let us know if you have a history of kidney disease, diabetes (especially if you take Metformin), or heart conditions.