CT Soft Tissue Neck
We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.
Computed tomography (CT) of the soft tissues of the neck is a non-invasive imaging method that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the anatomical structures of the neck, such as muscles, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other soft tissues.
The soft tissues of the neck include various structures located between the bones of the spine and the skin. These include muscles, tendons, fascia, blood vessels, nerves, lymph nodes, and glands. These tissues play an important role in head and neck movement, as well as in the protection and support of vital organs such as the larynx, trachea, and esophagus.
| Structure | Description |
|---|---|
| Muscles | Evaluation of the neck muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and scalene muscles. |
| Blood Vessels | Assessment of major blood vessels like the carotid arteries and jugular veins. |
| Lymph Nodes | Identification and evaluation of lymph nodes in the neck region. |
| Thyroid Gland | Visualization of the thyroid gland and potential abnormalities. |
CT of the soft tissues of the neck allows visualization of any abnormalities or pathological changes in these structures, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, such as tumors, trauma, infections, and inflammatory processes.
Indications
- Tumors or masses in the neck area, including tumors of the thyroid gland, pharynx, and larynx
- Neck trauma, including fractures or injuries to vessels or soft tissues
- Infections or inflammatory processes, such as abscesses or lymphadenitis
- Thyroid disorders, including nodules or adenomas
- Suspected metastases to the neck lymph nodes in oncological diseases
Procedure
The procedure is painless and lasts approximately 15–30 minutes. The patient lies on a special table that moves into the CT scanner to obtain a series of radiographic images. During the examination, brief breath-holding may be required to acquire clear images.
Sources:
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.ct-scan-of-the-neck-about-this-test.ug6685
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-20393675
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ct-cervical-spine-scans-what-to-know
https://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-spine-ct-scan
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ct-neck-protocol-1?lang=us
https://radiologyinplainenglish.com/what-can-a-ct-scan-of-the-neck-detect/
IMPORTANT!
It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience pain or a worsening of symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Only a qualified specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.
Preparation:
Special preparation is usually not required for CT of the soft tissues of the neck. However, there are several recommendations that should be followed:
- Removal of metal objects: before the examination, all metal items (jewelry, hairpins, removable dental prostheses) should be removed, as they can create artifacts on the images.
- Pregnancy information: if the patient is pregnant, she should inform the physician or radiologist so that additional precautions can be taken.
- Administration of contrast agent: in some cases, a contrast agent may be required for better visualization. The physician will advise whether a specific diet or special medications are necessary before the procedure.
- Information about implants or stents: the presence of metal implants or stents in the neck area may affect image quality, so it is important to inform the physician in advance.
