Background
The utility of CTA head and neck has been rapidly growing with many indications including a wide variety of clinical scenarios. For example, many vascular diseases such as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, carotid stenosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, aneurysm or vascular malformation, among others can be accurately and routinely evaluated with CTA head and neck. At Albany Medical Center, we image and report approximately 2000 CTA head and neck examinations per year. Along with these high contrast images of the head and neck, vasculature comes a wide array of incidental findings over a complex anatomical area. These include a detailed view of the brain parenchyma, soft tissues of the neck, orbits, lung apices, upper mediastinum, and bones. Our purpose, is to aid in the process of detection of non-vascular findings in CTA head and neck through a case-based review.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Following an overview of the general indications for CTA head and neck, a variety of cases will be presented and discussed with an emphasis on important incidental findings. By discussing these cases, the participant will be able to add to their search pattern on CTA head and neck.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
CTA head and neck has extensive coverage from the aortic arch and lung apices all the way through the vertex of the skull. There are many diagnoses to be discussed which can hide in this complex anatomical area. These include but are not limited to, metastatic disease, lung cancer, meningitis, pulmonary embolism, head and neck cancer, cervical spine fractures, and osteomyelitis. A case-based approach will be utilized to highlight these important diagnoses that can be easily overlooked if the radiologist is prioritized with the arterial vasculature.
Conclusion
CTA head and neck is a readily available study with a variety of indications. Given the large anatomical coverage of the study, many important incidental findings may be present. This educational exhibit will help radiologists gain an appreciation for the utility of CTA head and neck while also gaining an understanding of how important it is to give a detailed look beyond the vasculature. Overall, this exhibit aims to improve the radiologist’s detection of these important non-vascular findings.
