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Computed tomography of the thoracic spine is a high-tech technique for diagnosing changes in this spine using x-rays. Modern equipment makes it possible to obtain a layered image of the thoracic region with visualization and detailing of all pathological processes occurring in the vertebrae or spinal canal.
Such a diagnostic procedure allows you to determine tumors in the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbbones, the presence of injuries, stenosis, demonstrates pathological or abnormal development or expansion in the spinal canal. After the study, the specialist receives a three-dimensional image of the required area in the form of images.
The main positive and negative points of diagnosis
The device itself, with which tomography is performed, is a cylinder with a scanner built into it, radioactive radiation sensors and a special movable table. The tomograph is connected to a computer, with the help of which the specialist both manages the study and receives the read and processed information as a result.
The patient can receive tomography results within an hour after the completion of the diagnosis in the form of images of the thoracic spine and a conclusion. This speed of preparing a response is not the only advantage of tomography. It also allows you to get very high quality images, which is important when making a diagnosis, does not cause inconvenience or discomfort to the patient during the process, and is practically safe, especially when compared with conventional radiography, where the radiation dose is several times higher. In addition, in the presence of various implants or built-in devices in the human body, CT of the thoracic spine can be performed, unlike, for example, MRI diagnostics, in which complete immobility is also very important. If the patient moves awkwardly during the passage of computed tomography, its result will remain quite accurate, unlike the result of magnetic resonance imaging. If there is a need for tomography of the child’s spine, it is possible to reduce the dose of radiation produced by the device.
However, with all the undeniable advantages, this method also has disadvantages. For example, computed tomography does not provide an accurate and high-quality image of the spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and soft tissues surrounding the spinal column. For these purposes, experts recommend the use of magnetic resonance imaging. Also, the procedure is not possible if the patient is overweight, since the technique is designed for weights up to 150 kilograms.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
With the help of CT in the thoracic region, bone changes can be easily detected, since the procedure provides sufficient visualization of the spine and its bodies. The information content of this diagnosis relates to various tumors, hematomas, fractures and other pathological situations. Among the main medical indications for CT scan of the thoracic spine are:
- severe pain in the sternum for no apparent reason, fractures of the processes, vertebral bodies, the occurrence of neoplasms in the spine;
- osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, spondylosis;
- suspicion of anomalies in the development of the spine, a sudden causeless change in the position of the spine (posture);
- rheumatic diseases of the thoracic region;
- injuries or stenosis of the spinal canal;
- the presence of destruction in the spine caused by tuberculosis, sepsis or other diseases;
- hemorrhages in the thoracic spine in the region of the spinal cord;
- dilated spinal canal;
- the inability to produce magnetic resonance imaging.
Among the contraindications for this clinically safe procedure, experts name some conditions of the body or diseases, the presence of which does not allow one to safely make a decision on the possibility of using computed tomography:
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- various mental disorders in the patient;
- obesity and overweight over 150 kilograms;
- acute renal failure;
- plaster casts and metal structures in the study area;
- allergic reactions to contrast agents, in particular, to iodine;
- the general severe state of health of the patient.
Preparation and conduct of CT
When undergoing conventional computed tomography of the thoracic spine without the use of contrast agents, the patient does not need to prepare for the study. The procedure itself takes place quite quickly, after which a person can calmly continue his usual activities, drive a car.
When using the contrasting stage in tomography, a special contrast agent is injected into a person, which helps to improve the quality of the resulting visualization of a given area. With this technique, 6 hours before the tomography, the patient should not eat or drink liquids. In case of allergic reactions to iodine, or in the case of taking antidiabetic drugs, this information must be reported to the specialist responsible for the examination.
The very procedure of computed tomography of the thoracic spine lasts no more than 15 minutes and is absolutely painless for the patient. In front of her, the patient changes into the given disposable clothes and removes all metal jewelry. Then he lies on his back on the X-ray table and lies motionless during the entire examination. In case of back pain, in order not to disrupt the course of the diagnosis, it is recommended to take analgesics for pain relief the day before. In the case of a previously occurring claustrophobia in a patient, he is prescribed a sedative on the eve of the diagnosis.
At the beginning of the examination procedure, the table with the patient moves along the scanner, which rotates around the patient and takes data in the form of images at a certain time interval. After receiving the first images, the table with the patient moves out of the scanner and the patient is injected with contrast. After the introduction of the contrast medium, the patient is carefully monitored to anticipate the development of all kinds of allergic reactions that occur to the iodine contained in the contrast preparation.
Next, the tomography table drives back inside the scanner and the second series of images is taken. All data is carefully recorded. Half an hour after the end of the tomography process, the patient is given the results, with which he must apply for an appointment with his doctor. At the same time, there are no restrictions in activity or behavior for the patient after the procedure. Sometimes a person after a CT scan with a contrast agent may feel unwell, nausea, or headaches. In this case, it is necessary to immediately inform the doctor about their occurrence.
The quality of the performed tomography is largely determined by the modernity of technology, the qualifications of specialists, as well as how immobile the patient was during the procedure, and the presence of implants with metal particles in the area being examined. At the same time, it is important to remember that computed tomography of the thoracic spine is recognized as a high-precision diagnostic method that is superior in its effectiveness to ordinary radiography, especially in cases of using contrast agents that increase the accuracy of the resulting image by several times. At the same time, computed tomography is not a source of super-powerful radiation and is safer for humans.
Many patients often wonder which diagnosis should be preferred – computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. In this aspect, it is important to understand that a CT scan will better demonstrate the state of the articular and bone tissues, and a magnetic resonance scan will better demonstrate the condition of the soft tissues of the body, including the spinal cord. When examining the spine, MRI is prescribed if necessary to examine tumors, intervertebral hernias, soft tissues, and ligaments. And CT is used to determine traumatic changes in bones, bone growths on the spine and osteochondrosis.
Another advantage of MRI compared to CT is its safety in terms of the fact that computed tomography, performed frequently, can provoke the appearance of tumors in the area in question, while magnetic resonance imaging thus does not affect the body. At the same time, computed tomography is not recommended for small children.
What do CT data show?
When performing computed tomography of the thoracic spine, specialists take into account the fact that the image can be painted in black, gray or white, depending on the density of the tissue area under consideration. A light shade shows maximum density. In the images, bones are white, soft tissues are gray, and cerebrospinal fluid is usually stained black.
Computed tomography of the thoracic spine will allow the specialist to determine the degree of change in the density of the tissues in question. This procedure demonstrates all the injuries of the spine that he received, as well as changes and pathologies in its development. CT is very effective for detecting oncological neoplasms, since diagnostics gives an idea of the location of the neoplasm, its localization relative to the location of the spinal cord, and the nature of its occurrence.
Computed tomography also shows structural changes, such as compression of the nerve roots or protrusion of the nucleus pulposus in herniated discs, for example. In this case, compression in the region of the spinal cord occurs with a median protrusion. If the joints between the vertebrae are affected, then spurs form on the spine (the bone tissue grows). All this, in the end, leads to the fact that the roots of the nerves are compressed and pain occurs.
Dark neoplasms pressing on the spinal cord are in reality different types of cysts. At the same time, arteriovenous malformation becomes visually determined only after the introduction of a contrast agent. This is a cluster-shaped formation located in the dorsal part of the human spinal cord. Any congenital pathological conditions on the CT scan results are dark gaps that are located between the light spots-vertebrae.
Thus, computed tomography of the thoracic spine is a high-tech X-ray study that is capable of diagnosing various pathologies of the above area (field of study) with high quality and accurate images. For the examination, the patient will need a referral from the attending physician, a medical record and all previous results of various examinations and analyzes.