Computed tomography of the dorsal spine (thoracic spine)
Thoracic Spine CT Scan in Casablanca
The dorsal spine, or thoracic spine, is made up of the twelve vertebrae in the middle of the back, which carry the ribs. This CT scan uses X-rays to show these vertebrae in thin slices, with their discs, their joints and the canal of the spinal cord. It is requested mainly for a fracture or a vertebral compression (a vertebra that collapses), to clarify an abnormality seen on an X-ray, or before a procedure on the spine.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The thoracic spine exam generally 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?
- Mid-back pain after a fall or a blow, with a suspected fracture.
- Compression of a vertebra, especially with osteoporosis, to assess how severe it is.
- Abnormality of a thoracic vertebra seen on an X-ray or an MRI, to be characterized.
- Back deformity (kyphosis, scoliosis) before surgery.
- Assessment before a cementoplasty (injecting cement into a fractured vertebra) or follow-up of surgical hardware.
How the exam is done
You remove upper-body clothing that contains metal, including underwire bras, and your necklaces. If your back is painful, the team helps you lie down gently on your back, with a cushion under your knees.
Your arms are raised above your head to clear the chest. The area scanned often extends a little above and below the painful region, so that the radiologist can count the vertebrae accurately. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly, because the ribs move with breathing. Passing through the ring takes a few seconds and does not hurt. At the end, turn onto your side to sit up without straining.
Preparation
- Choose a top without metal, and no underwire bra.
- Bring your back brace if you wear one, and ask before removing it.
- Let us know if you cannot raise your arms.
- If the pain is severe, take your usual pain reliever before coming.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
Most thoracic spine CT scans are performed without injection, as bone is naturally easy to see. An injection of iodinated contrast agent into a vein in the arm may be added to look for an infection or a tumor, on the radiologist's advice.
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.
- Hyperthyroidism or another thyroid disease, to be reported before a possible 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
- Recent X-rays, MRIs or bone density scans (DXA)
- List of your medications, especially your osteoporosis treatment
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
- Recent kidney function test if an injection is planned
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a thoracic spine CT scan depends on the number of vertebrae to cover and on an iodinated contrast injection, which is reserved for certain suspected conditions.
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 a CT scan after a vertebral compression?
The X-ray shows that a vertebra has collapsed, but the CT scan shows whether the back wall of the vertebra is affected and whether fragments are moving closer to the canal of the spinal cord. This information helps the doctor choose between rest, a back brace or a procedure such as cementoplasty.
My back X-rays were normal, so why a CT scan?
On an X-ray, the ribs, the shoulders and the heart overlap the thoracic vertebrae and can hide a small fracture or lesion. The CT scan, which works in slices, removes this overlap and shows each vertebra in detail. It is therefore sometimes useful despite reassuring X-rays.
Does a CT scan show a thoracic herniated disc?
Thoracic disc herniations are less common than in the neck or the lower back and are often calcified, which the CT scan sees well. To study the spinal cord itself, MRI is generally better suited. Your doctor may prescribe both exams.
Is the X-ray dose high for the back?
The dose is adapted to the region studied and to your body build, and kept to the minimum needed. The thoracic spine lies in the middle of the chest: report any pregnancy, even if it is uncertain. Bringing your previous exams also helps avoid unnecessary images.
Thoracic Spine CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a thoracic spine CT scan depends on the number of vertebrae to cover and on an iodinated contrast injection, which is reserved for certain suspected conditions. 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.