胸椎CT扫描

定义

A computed tomography (CT) scan of the thoracic spine is an imaging method. This uses x-rays to rapidly create detailed pictures of the middle back (thoracic spine).

选择的名字

CAT scan - thoracic spine; Computed axial tomography scan - thoracic spine; Computed tomography scan - thoracic spine; CT scan - upper back

如何执行测试

You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner.

Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam without stopping as your body moves through the scanner in small increments.

A computer creates separate images of the body area. 这些被称为切片. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. The slices together can create three-dimensional models of the body area.

考试时你必须保持安静. 移动会造成图像模糊. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time.

The scan should take only 10 to 15 minutes.

如何准备考试

Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast. Contrast is delivered into the body before the test starts. This helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays.

对比可以通过几种方式给出. It may be given as an injection through:

• 静脉:手或前臂的静脉.
• Your back into the space surrounding the spinal cord.

如果使用对比, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test.

Before receiving the contrast, tell your health care provider if:

• You have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medicines before the test to safely receive the dye.
• You take the diabetes medicine metformin (Glucophage). You may need to take extra steps if you take this medicine.

Find out if the CT machine has a weight limit if you weigh more than 450 pounds (200 kilograms). Too much weight can cause damage to the scanner.

You will be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study.

考试的感觉如何

Some people may find it uncomfortable to lie on the hard table.

静脉注射造影剂可能导致:

• 轻微的灼烧感
• 口中有金属味
• 身体温热潮红

These feelings are normal and will often go away within a few seconds.

为什么要进行测试

CT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the thoracic spine. 该测试可以帮助诊断或检测:

• 儿童脊柱的先天缺陷
• 脊柱骨折
• 脊柱关节炎
• 脊柱弯曲称为脊柱侧凸
• 脊柱肿瘤
• 其他脊髓损伤

Thoracic CT scan can also be used during or after:

• Myelography: An x-ray of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots
• 椎间盘造影术:椎间盘的x光片

正常的结果

Results are normal if the thoracic spine looks normal.

异常结果意味着什么

异常结果可能是由于:

• 脊柱先天缺陷
• 骨的问题
• 骨折
• 椎间盘突出(滑动)
• 脊柱感染
• 脊柱变窄(脊髓狭窄)
• 脊柱侧凸
• 肿瘤

风险

CT扫描的风险包括:

• 暴露于辐射
• 对造影剂过敏

CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your provider should weigh this risk against the benefits of getting a correct diagnosis for a medical problem.

Some people have allergies to contrast dye.

The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. 对碘过敏的人可能有:

• 恶心或呕吐
• 打喷嚏
• 瘙痒 or 荨麻疹

以防你过敏, your provider may give you antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.

The kidneys help remove the dye from the body. People with kidney disease or diabetes may need to receive extra fluids after the test. This will help flush the dye out of the body. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems.

极少数情况下，染料可能会引起 速发型过敏反应. Notify the scanner operator right away if you have any trouble breathing or swallowing. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.

注意事项

The thoracic CT scan is good for evaluating large herniated disks. 它可能会漏掉较小的. This test with a myelogram will show a better image of the nerve roots and find smaller injuries or abnormalities.

参考文献

兰金JJ. 脊柱创伤. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. 格兰杰 & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 7日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 52.

美国食品和药物管理局网站. 计算机断层扫描(CT). www.食品及药物管理局.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-x-ray-imaging/computed-tomography-ct#4. 2019年6月14日更新. 获得于2022年7月11日.

威廉姆斯KD. 骨折s, dislocations, and fracture-dislocations of the spine. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH，编辑. 坎贝尔整形外科. 14日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 41.