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CT Orbits

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Axial Orbits Contrast (N/A or 60s if contrast delay) Superior orbital rim to Maxillary sinus
    • Orbital mass
    • Thyroid eye disease
    • Orbital cellulitis
    • Optic nerve assessment
    • Trauma

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine head-first
    • NPO Status: NPO 2 hours if contrast

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Omnipaque 350 if contrast
    Volume 75-100 mL if contrast
    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

    • Orbits: superior orbital rim to maxillary sinus. Axial 1-2mm. Coronal reformats. NC for trauma. Contrast for masses/inflammation
    • Additional Recons: Assess optic nerve canal. Measure EOMs if thyroid eye disease. Document foreign body
    • Contrast for mass or inflammation. NC for trauma and metallic foreign body

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or verify eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • Extraocular muscles. Optic nerve. Globe integrity. Orbital fat. Preseptal vs postseptal. Masses. Foreign body
    • Angle axial parallel to optic nerves. Thin slices
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Superior orbital rim Maxillary sinus N/A N/A Lateral
Axial Orbits Superior orbital rim Maxillary sinus N/A or 60s if contrast 1-1.5 mm Parallel to optic nerves
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Orbits Orbits 1.5 mm/1 mm Bone and Standard 3 Bone for fractures soft tissue for pathology
Coronal Orbits Orbits 1.5 mm/1 mm Bone and Standard 3 Coronal orbits
Sagittal Orbits Optic nerve 2 mm/1.5 mm Standard 3 Optic nerve canal
3D if trauma Orbits Orbital bones 1 mm source Bone N/A 3D if complex fracture