Computed tomography of the cervical spine and the cervicothoracic junction
Cervicothoracic Spine CT Scan in Casablanca
A cervicothoracic spine CT scan examines the neck part of the spine (cervical spine) and the first vertebrae of the back, including the cervicothoracic junction: this transition zone between the neck and the chest is often poorly seen on X-rays, because the shoulders hide it. This X-ray exam shows the vertebrae, the discs, the small joints and the canal of the spinal cord in detail. It helps investigate neck pain that travels down the arm, osteoarthritis or an injury.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam of the neck and upper back usually takes 5 to 10 minutes on the table.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Revolution
When is this exam needed?
- Neck pain radiating into the arm (cervicobrachial neuralgia), especially if MRI is not possible.
- Neck injury (fall, car accident, whiplash) with a suspected fracture.
- Osteoarthritis of the neck with narrowing of the spinal canal or of the intervertebral foramina (the openings where the nerves exit).
- Junction between the neck and the chest poorly visible on X-rays.
- Assessment before surgery or a cervical injection, or follow-up of an artificial disc or a spinal fusion (fusion of vertebrae).
How the exam is done
You remove necklaces, earrings, hair clips, piercings and removable dentures, then lie on your back with your head held in a head holder. A neck brace worn after an injury stays in place as long as the team has not told you otherwise.
So that your shoulders do not hide the lower part of the neck, you are asked to lower them as far as possible by stretching your arms toward your feet, sometimes while holding a strap. While you pass through the ring, keep your head still and avoid swallowing, because swallowing moves the throat in front of the vertebrae. The image acquisition lasts a few seconds and is painless. The radiographer helps you get up if your neck is stiff.
Preparation
- Remove necklaces, earrings, piercings and hair clips.
- Take out your removable dentures, which cause streaks at the level of the first vertebrae.
- Wear a top without metal buttons or a zipper at the collar.
- Come with your neck brace if you have one, and do not remove it on your own.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
An injection of iodinated contrast agent is rarely needed for the neck vertebrae. It may be offered for an infection or a mass; the contrast agent is then given through a catheter placed in a vein in the arm.
Contraindications and precautions
- Previous reaction to an iodinated contrast agent: tell us when you book; a preparation or another exam may be offered.
- Diabetes treated with metformin, or kidney disease: please tell us. Depending on your kidney function, the radiologist will tell you whether metformin should be paused after the injection. Bring a recent creatinine test if you are asked to.
- Diseased or treated thyroid: the gland sits in front of the neck vertebrae, so tell us before any iodine injection.
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us before the exam. A CT scan uses X-rays: it is performed during pregnancy only if it is essential.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after an iodinated contrast injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Previous X-rays or MRIs of the cervical spine
- Surgical report if you have had neck surgery
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a cervicothoracic spine CT scan varies with the length of spine covered and with an iodine injection, which is rarely needed for the vertebrae.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to lower my shoulders?
At the bottom of the neck, the shoulders form a thick layer that hinders the passage of X-rays and can blur the last cervical vertebrae and the first thoracic vertebrae. By pulling your arms toward your feet, you clear this junction. The effort lasts only as long as the image acquisition.
Can a CT scan show a herniated disc in the neck?
It can show a herniated or bulging disc, especially a calcified one, and it clearly shows the osteoarthritis that narrows the openings of the nerves. MRI generally remains more precise for the discs and the spinal cord. The choice depends on what your doctor is looking for.
Does the thyroid receive X-rays?
It sits just in front of the neck vertebrae and receives part of the X-rays. The settings limit the dose to what is necessary. This gland is also the reason why a thyroid disease must be reported if an iodine injection is being considered.
I am wearing a neck brace after an accident: how does the exam work?
Keep it on and mention it as soon as you arrive. The team positions you carefully, limiting head movements. Depending on its type, the brace may stay on during the image acquisition or be opened on medical advice. Never remove it on your own, even if it bothers you.
Cervicothoracic Spine CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a cervicothoracic spine CT scan varies with the length of spine covered and with an iodine injection, which is rarely needed for the vertebrae. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.