Computed tomography of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine (whole spine)
Whole Spine CT Scan in Casablanca
A whole spine CT scan examines the entire spinal column in a single session: the cervical spine, the thoracic spine (at chest level) and the lumbar spine. It uses X-rays to show the vertebrae, the discs and the canal of the spinal cord in detail. It is requested when several levels need to be seen together: a major injury, a disease affecting several vertebrae, or extensive surgery. Because the area covered is large, it is prescribed only if a targeted exam is not enough.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Despite the length of spine studied, the exam usually takes 10 to 15 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?
- Severe trauma (road accident, fall from a height) with possible fractures at several levels.
- Detection or follow-up of widespread bone lesions, for example metastases (spread of a cancer to distant sites) or myeloma.
- Overall deformity of the spine (scoliosis, kyphosis) to be measured before surgery.
- Follow-up of extensive surgical hardware (rods, screws) over several segments.
- Pain affecting several levels of the spine when MRI is not possible.
How the exam is done
Because the area examined runs from the neck to the pelvis, you remove everything that contains metal over this length: necklaces, underwire bras, belts, pants with rivets. If you wear a neck brace or a back brace, keep it on until the team gives its advice.
You lie on your back, with your head supported and a cushion under your knees. Depending on the protocol, the images are acquired in one go or in two steps: arms along your body for the neck, then raised above your head for the back and the lower back, so that the shoulders do not interfere with the images. The table moves forward gradually while you breathe calmly. The team then helps you get up gently.
Preparation
- Wear clothes without metal from your neck to your hips.
- Keep your neck brace or back brace on if it has been prescribed for you.
- If lying down is painful for you, take your usual pain reliever before coming.
- Write down any surgery you have had on your spine, with the dates.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
An injection of iodinated contrast agent is useful only in certain cases, such as an infection or a tumor, since MRI is often preferred for the spinal cord and the nerves. It is then given through a catheter 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.
- Thyroid disorder: tell us if the exam involves an injection; the radiologist will tell you what to do.
- 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.
- Pain that prevents you from lying down for a few minutes: let us know in advance.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- X-rays, CT scans or MRIs of the spine already performed
- Surgical reports and type of hardware implanted, if you have had spine surgery
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a whole spine CT scan takes into account the extent covered, from the neck to the lower back, and an iodine injection, which is useful only in certain cases.
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 examine the whole spine rather than a single level?
When several regions may be affected, examining everything in one session avoids multiple appointments and allows the levels to be compared. If only one area is a problem, a targeted CT scan (lumbar, thoracic or cervicothoracic) is better suited and exposes you to fewer X-rays.
Is the X-ray dose higher?
Covering the whole spine exposes a larger area than a CT scan of a single level. The settings are adapted to each region and to your build to keep the dose as low as possible. That is why this exam is requested only when an overall view is truly useful.
Does a CT scan replace an MRI of the spine?
They are complementary. The CT scan shows bone very well: fractures, osteoarthritis, deformities, surgical hardware. MRI examines the spinal cord, the discs and the nerves in finer detail, without X-rays. The CT scan is often chosen when MRI is not possible or when bone is the main question.
I have rods and screws in my back: is the exam possible?
Yes. The CT scan is in fact often used to check the position of the hardware and the healing of the bone. Metal creates artifacts (bright streaks on the images), which specific settings and reconstructions can reduce. Bring your surgical report.
Whole Spine CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a whole spine CT scan takes into account the extent covered, from the neck to the lower back, and an iodine injection, which is useful only in certain cases. 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.