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Method of computed tomography of the neck
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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By analogy with the computed tomography of the head, a lateral topogram is first performed. On this topogram, the levels of transverse (axial) scanning and the angle of rotation of the gantry are outlined. The usual sections of the neck are set to a thickness of 4 - 5 mm. Axial images are obtained on the monitor screen and when transferred to the printer as a bottom view (from the caudal side). Thus, the right lobe of the thyroid gland is shown to the left of the trachea, and the left lobe is on the right.
The image should occupy the whole space on the monitor screen, then the details of all small structures of the neck become visible. When the neck of the upper aperture of the thorax appears during computed tomography of the chest, the area under investigation expands, which makes it possible to detect changes in supraclavicular fossa and axillary regions.
The artefacts arising from the presence of the patient's dentures cause blurred surrounding structures, but only within one or two sections. You may need to re-scan from a different angle in order to visualize the zone hidden by the artifact.
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