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CT Lumbar Spine

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    L-spine Helical Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay) T12 to Sacrum
    • Lumbar spine trauma
    • Degenerative disease
    • Back pain
    • Radiculopathy
    • Sciatica

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent None typically. Contrast if infection/tumor/post-op
    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

    • T12 to sacrum. Submillimeter helical. Sagittal and coronal reformats. Oblique for foramina
    • Additional Recons: Oblique sagittal for foramina. Measure spinal canal. Grade stenosis
    • No IV unless contrast needed

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or verify eGFR
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • Alignment. Fractures. Disc spaces. Spinal canal stenosis. Neural foramina. Facet joints. Spondylolisthesis
    • Bone algorithm. Sagittal and coronal reconstructions
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout T12 Sacrum N/A N/A AP and lateral
L-spine Helical T12 Sacrum N/A or 60s if contrast 0.625 mm Submillimeter
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial L-spine L-spine 2 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Bone and soft tissue
Sagittal L-spine L-spine 2 mm/1.5 mm Bone 3 Midline and parasagittal
Coronal L-spine L-spine 2.5 mm/2 mm Bone 3 Coronal overview
Oblique sagittal L-spine Neural foramina 2 mm Bone 3 Foraminal assessment