Neck (CT) PRINT

Last updated: 6/13/2022
What changed: extend inferior slices to below aortic arch in order to visualize course of recurrent laryngeal nerve
History: lump, bump, palpable abnormality, swelling, general screen, airway anomaly.
NECK
LocalizerFrontal and lateral
Patient InstructionsDo not swallow.
Angulationparallel to hard palate face parallel to floor
Scan typehelical
kVp110-130
Target CTDIvol (mGy)<15
Max CTDIvol (mGy)25
Max scan time20 sec
Pitch0.9-1.5:1
DFOV20-24
Contrast (if ordered)
Agent 90 mL (350/ 370 concentrate ) or 100 mL (300 concentrate)
Delay90 sec from start of injection
Volume & Rate45 mL @ 3 mL / sec --> 45 sec delay --> 45 mL @ 2 mL / sec
Coverage
Axexternal auditory meatus to just below aortic arch
Cornose to occiput
Sagear to ear, parallel to midline
SEND TO PACS
Ax: 2-2.5 mm Contiguous Standard
Ax: 1-1.25 mm Contiguous Bone
Cor & Sag 2 mm Standard
Key tips:
  • For clinical mass or palpable abnormality, place a non-metallic marker on the skin overlying the mass so the radiologist knows where to look.
  • Use of dose modulation is mandatory.
  • Do not scan CT neck without followed by CT neck with contrast unless directed to do so by a radiologist or unless using salivary gland protocol.
Coverage Examples:

If there is artifact from dental amalgam (axial image below), run a butterfly scan at a different angle through the area. This will allow for detection of lesions in the base of tongue and palatine tonsils (eg. squamous cell carcinoma).





On coronal, must be able to see skull base foramina (arrows).








On Sagittals, top should be the planum sphenoidale / sella.