Tag Archives: infection

Spine Imaging
4
Feb

Overview

Spine imaging uses radiography CT and MRI to evaluate degenerative disease trauma and infection. MRI is preferred for soft tissue and neural element assessment. Imaging guides surgical and conservative management.

Degenerative Disease

MRI assesses disc herniation spinal stenosis and nerve root compression. Imaging correlates with clinical findings to guide treatment. Advanced sequences evaluate marrow and inflammatory changes.

Trauma and Infection

CT detects fractures and bony injury in acute trauma. MRI identifies spinal cord injury infection and epidural abscess. Timely imaging supports urgent intervention when needed.

Postoperative Imaging

Imaging monitors hardware position fusion status and complications. CT and MRI provide complementary information in the postoperative spine. Clear communication with surgeons improves interpretation.

Head and Neck Imaging
4
Feb

Overview

Head and neck imaging uses CT MRI and ultrasound depending on the indication. It evaluates tumors infections and trauma. Detailed anatomic imaging guides surgical planning.

Oncologic Imaging

Imaging stages head and neck cancers and assesses treatment response. PET CT is useful for metabolic assessment. MRI provides soft tissue detail for surgical planning.

Airway and Swallowing

Fluoroscopy and video swallow studies assess swallowing function. Imaging evaluates airway patency and structural abnormalities. Findings guide therapy and surgical decisions.

Vascular Considerations

CT angiography and MR angiography assess vascular lesions and fistulas. Vascular imaging is important in trauma and tumor planning. Endovascular options may be guided by imaging findings.

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography SPECT
4
Feb

Overview

SPECT acquires gamma emissions from radiotracers to reconstruct three dimensional functional images often combined with CT for localization.

Technique

Collimator choice acquisition orbit and reconstruction parameters influence resolution and sensitivity.

Clinical Uses

Cardiac perfusion imaging bone scans infection imaging and certain neurologic studies.

Limitations and Safety

Lower spatial resolution than PET. Radiotracer selection and timing affect diagnostic yield.

SPECT CT Hybrid Imaging
4
Feb

Overview

SPECT CT merges functional SPECT images with CT anatomy to enhance localization and diagnostic specificity.

Technique

CT can be low dose for localization or diagnostic quality. SPECT reconstruction and attenuation correction improve quantification.

Clinical Uses

Bone SPECT CT for occult fractures infection localization and parathyroid imaging.

Limitations and Safety

Radiation from both components. Careful protocol selection minimizes dose while preserving diagnostic value.