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CT Complete Spine

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Complete Spine Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay) Skull base to Sacrum
    • Spine trauma pan-scan
    • Multi-level disease
    • Metastatic survey
    • Infection

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine
    • NPO Status: None - usually trauma

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent None typically. Contrast if infection/mets
    Volume If contrast: 125 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 sacrum. LONG COVERAGE. Submillimeter. Sagittal and coronal entire spine. May do in segments
    • Additional Recons: Sagittal and coronal bone reconstructions. Oblique for foramina
    • No IV unless contrast needed. Complete spine coverage

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or verify eGFR
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • Entire spine alignment. Fractures all levels. Spinal canal. Paraspinal masses. Metastatic disease
    • Long coverage. May need multiple acquisitions
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Skull base Sacrum N/A N/A Full AP and lateral
Complete Spine Skull base Sacrum N/A or 60s if contrast 0.625-1 mm Submillimeter entire spine
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Spine Full spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Axial entire spine
Sagittal Spine Full spine 2 mm/1.5 mm Bone 3 Sagittal full spine
Coronal Spine Full spine 2.5 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Coronal full spine