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CT Soft Tissue Neck

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Contrast Neck Contrast (60-70 sec delay) Skull base to Thoracic inlet
    • Neck mass
    • Deep neck infection
    • Abscess
    • Airway assessment
    • Lymphadenopathy

  • 2. Patient Prep

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

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Omnipaque 350
    Volume 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 thoracic inlet. 60-70 sec delay for venous phase. Arms down. Minimize swallowing. May need NC if calcium assessment
    • Additional Recons: Assess all neck spaces. Measure lymph nodes. Airway diameter if concern
    • 18-20G IV. Coach no swallowing during scan

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: Verify eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: Check allergy history
    • Assess neck spaces. Retropharyngeal. Parapharyngeal. Masticator. Parotid. Submandibular. Thyroid. Lymph nodes. Abscess vs phlegmon
    • Arms down. Minimize swallowing. Quiet breathing
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Skull base Thoracic inlet N/A N/A Lateral
Contrast Neck Skull base Thoracic inlet 60-70 sec 1-2 mm Venous phase
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Neck Neck 2.5 mm/2 mm Standard 3 Soft tissue neck
Coronal Neck Neck 3 mm/2.5 mm Standard 3 Coronal neck spaces
Sagittal Neck Midline 3 mm/2.5 mm Standard 3 Airway and retropharyngeal