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CT Cervical Spine

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    C-spine Helical Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay) Skull base to T1
    • Cervical spine trauma
    • Degenerative disease
    • Neck pain
    • Radiculopathy
    • Myelopathy

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine head-first
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent None typically. Contrast if infection/tumor
    Volume If contrast: 100 mL
    Flow Rate 3 mL/s

    Use full dose if GFR > 30

    If GFR < 30

    Max Contrast = \(2*\left[\frac{\text{Patient Weight}}{75 \text{ kg}} * \text{eGFR}\right]\)

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Skull base to T1. Submillimeter helical. Sagittal and coronal reformats required. Bone algorithm
    • Additional Recons: Sagittal and coronal bone reconstructions. Oblique for foramina
    • No IV unless contrast needed. Cervical precautions if trauma

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or verify eGFR
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • Alignment. Fractures. Disc spaces. Neural foramina. Spinal canal. Facet joints. Degenerative changes
    • Minimize motion. C-collar if trauma
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Skull base T1 N/A N/A AP and lateral
C-spine Helical Skull base T1 N/A or 60s if contrast 0.625 mm Submillimeter acquisition
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial C-spine C-spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Bone and soft tissue
Sagittal C-spine C-spine 2 mm/1.5 mm Bone 3 Midline and parasagittal
Coronal C-spine C-spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Coronal alignment
Oblique sagittal C-spine Neural foramina 2 mm Bone 3 Foraminal narrowing