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Computed tomography, more commonly known as CT or MSCT, multislice computed tomography is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that produces horizontal or axial images, called body sections, using a combination of x-rays and computer technology. CT scans show detailed images of various parts of the body, including bones, muscles, and internal organs.
A CT scan is more detailed than standard x-rays. In standard x-ray machines, the beams are directed at the part of the body being studied, unlike in CT scans, where the scanner that emits x-rays moves in a circle around the body. X-ray data, information about an X-ray image is interpreted by a computer and displayed in three-dimensional (3D) form on a monitor.
Cross-sectional images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted in multiple planes and can be viewed on a computer monitor, printed on film, or transferred to CD or DVD.
Computed tomography of the skull bones or cranial computed tomography is an X-ray method for diagnosing the brain or facial skull, which allows you to identify various pathologies of bone tissues, tendons and vessels adjacent to them.
The bottom line is that an X-ray beam penetrating the human body in various planes makes it possible to see layer-by-layer visualization with an interval of one to one and a half millimeters, a virtual 3D model.
MSCT of the skull is one of the best diagnostic methods for today, with the help of which doctors can analyze the condition of the bone tissues of the teeth, as well as use it to diagnose the unusual structure of the skull, the anatomical features of the bones of the forehead, nose, cheekbones, upper and lower jaw, in order to identify pathological conditions and various deviations from the norm.
Using contrast for research
Since bone tissue is clearly visible on x-rays, contrast enhancements do not need to be used. But, if you need to examine soft tissues, vessels or tendons, then a special contrast agent is introduced. It is it that helps to see the presence of neoplasms, inflammations or pathological processes.
Usually contrast agents are made on an iodine basis. As a rule, patients always tolerate them normally, but there are cases when the patient begins to be disturbed by nausea, dizziness, or itching. Of course, these symptoms go away after a while. And in order for the contrast to be quickly excreted from the body, you need to drink a large amount of liquid.
Indications for a CT scan of the bones of the skull
Most often, multislice computed tomography is used in cases where the doctor does not have enough information made by the usual X-ray method to be able to make the correct diagnosis and subsequent necessary treatment.
Cranial computed tomography is indicated when there is a suspicion of:
- craniocerebral injuries, facial injuries, including fractures of the facial bones;
- damage to the soft tissues of the human face;
- anomalies in the development of the bones of the skull;
- the presence of foreign bodies in the bones of the skull;
- when planning surgery in cosmetology, dentistry or maxillofacial surgery, and monitoring the results after it.
Computed tomography of the skull bones has become the diagnostic modality of choice for head injuries due to its accuracy, reliability, safety, and wide availability.
The correct therapeutic treatment of traumatic brain injury is based on the correct diagnosis and assessment of the temporal course of the disease.
CT detects and accurately localizes intracranial hematomas, brain contusions, edema, and foreign bodies.
Contraindications for CT of the bones of the skull
Scanning the bones of the skull is prohibited for pregnant women, even though the radiation only affects the head. After all, even the smallest dose can harm the unborn child. If the doctor plans to administer contrast, then computed tomography is prohibited for patients who are allergic to iodine, endocrine disorders and renal failure,
There may also be difficulty in examining overweight patients. Typically, the technique is designed for patients weighing up to 150 kilograms.
What you need to know when preparing for a study
For a CT scan of the skull bones, metal items, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, should be left at home or removed prior to the examination, as they can interfere with the CT images. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.
You need to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking and if you have any allergic reactions to medications or previously known contrast materials and “dyes”.
If there is a history of this, the doctor may prescribe medications (usually steroids) to reduce the risk of allergies or even prevent them altogether.
The radiologist needs to know if you have asthma, diabetes, myeloma, or if you have heart, kidney, or thyroid problems. Any of these listed diseases can increase the risk of adverse effects on the general condition of a person.
How does this procedure work?
In a conventional X-ray examination, a small amount of radiation is directed and passed through the part of the body being examined, recording the image on a special electronic imaging plate. Bones appear white on x-rays, while soft tissues such as organs such as the heart or liver appear in shades of gray, and air appears black.
In a CT scan, numerous X-rays and a set of electronic X-ray detectors rotate around, measuring the amount of radiation absorbed throughout the body. Sometimes the examination table will move during the scan so that the x-ray beam will follow a spiral path. A specialized computer program processes this large amount of data to produce three-dimensional cross-sectional images of the human body.
Improvements in detector hardware allow almost all CT scanners to acquire multiple slices in a single revolution.
These scanners, referred to as multi-slice CT or multi-spot scanners, produce thinner slices in a shorter period of time, resulting in more detailed viewing opportunities.
Modern CT scanners are so fast that they can scan large parts of the body in just a few seconds.
This speed is important for all patients, but especially for children, the elderly and the critically ill, all those who have difficulty staying in one place for a long time, even for the short time it takes to acquire images.
The procedure of computed tomography of the bones of the skull usually takes about 10-15 minutes without the introduction of contrast and a maximum of thirty minutes with contrast. A person lies down on a movable comfortable table that slides into the CT scanner.
The patient is absolutely alone during the operation of the equipment in the office. The medical staff is in the adjacent room and observes the procedure.
The tomograph places the patient’s head in a special flask, which looks like a rotating ring with built-in sensors for x-rays that penetrate the human body.
This creates noise, which rarely causes discomfort to patients. And if such fear is present, then you need to inform the doctor about it. Fortunately, such sensations are rare and can only be of a psychological type.
Sometimes the doctor may ask you to hold your breath for literally seconds to ensure that the patient is completely still and to get clear results in the picture.
Possible risks
Dosage of x-ray radiation during computed tomography of the bones of the skull is below the norm, which is acceptable. The average load is about two to three millisieverts per human body, and it will not be able to harm the health of the body.
At the same time, this diagnostic method cannot often be used, since radiation accumulates in tissues and can cause negative consequences on the body. Therefore, it is desirable to observe a pause between X-ray type computer studies, if acute dynamic observation is not required.
It can be concluded that computed tomography of the skull bones is a completely painless procedure and can provide extremely accurate images.
In many cases, CT can significantly reduce the need for surgery, and significantly improve the ability of doctors to diagnose many diseases earlier in their course and with much less risk than previous methods.