CT of the eye orbits

CT of the orbits — is a modern method of radiation diagnostics that allows assessing the bony walls of the eye sockets, soft tissues, optic nerves, and adjacent structures. The examination is used for injuries, inflammatory processes, suspicion of neoplasms or foreign bodies, when it is necessary to quickly establish the cause of pain, swelling, or visual impairment.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, CT of the eye orbits is performed on GE Revolution Maxima and SIEMENS Healthineers SOMATOM go.Up scanners. Modern equipment allows obtaining clear layer-by-layer images and assessing in detail the nature of pathological changes.

The examination can be undergone in Kyiv on the right bank — near the «Dorohozhychi» metro station, as well as on the left — in Berezniaky. You can make an appointment for the examination by phone or through the feedback form on the website.

CT of the eyes is often prescribed after traumatic injuries, when it is necessary to assess the condition of the bony walls of the orbit and surrounding tissues. The examination helps detect fractures, hemorrhages, displacement of structures, or other changes after an eye injury.

The specialists of «Oxford Medical» recommend not postponing the examination prescribed by the doctor if the symptoms are accompanied by sudden worsening of vision, pronounced swelling, pain during eye movement, or limitation of mobility of the eyeball.

Computed tomography of the eye orbits in most cases is well tolerated, and modern scanners allow the examination to be performed quickly and with minimal radiation exposure. However, before conducting the examination, the doctor takes into account the patient’s general health condition and possible contraindications, especially if contrast enhancement is planned.

Main contraindications:

• severe allergic reaction to iodine-containing contrast agents;

• pronounced impairment of kidney function;

• pregnancy, if there are no urgent indications;

• a condition in which it is difficult for the patient to remain motionless during scanning.

Caution is needed for patients with bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, thyroid gland diseases, or a tendency to allergic reactions. In such cases, the possibility of conducting the examination is assessed individually.

Preparation for CT of the eye orbits depends on whether the examination will be performed with contrast enhancement. In this case, before the procedure, a blood test for creatinine may be prescribed to assess kidney function.

Before the procedure, it is recommended to:

• not consume food for 4–6 hours before the examination with contrast enhancement, water may be drunk;

• remove glasses, jewelry, and other metal objects in the head area;

• inform about allergy to contrast agents, kidney diseases, or thyroid gland diseases;

• inform about medications that are taken regularly.

Following the recommendations helps obtain high-quality images and conduct the examination comfortably.

During the examination, the patient is positioned on the table of the computed tomography scanner in a lying position. The head is fixed to avoid accidental movements and obtain the clearest possible images.

During scanning, the device performs a series of thin layer-by-layer slices in the area of the eye sockets and adjacent structures. Such an examination is painless and usually lasts only a few minutes.

After the procedure is completed, the radiologist analyzes the results and prepares a written conclusion. With the result, it is advisable to contact an ophthalmologist or another doctor who prescribed the diagnostics.

In some cases, for a more detailed assessment of tissues and vessels, the doctor may recommend CT of the eye orbits with contrast. The contrast substance helps more accurately determine the boundaries of pathological changes, assess the spread of the inflammatory process, and the features of blood supply to tissues.

Before the examination, a catheter is placed into a vein, through which the contrast agent is automatically administered. During its administration, a short-term feeling of warmth or a metallic taste in the mouth is possible — this is a normal reaction that quickly passes.

Contrast enhancement is especially informative in case of suspicion of neoplasms, damage to the soft tissues of the orbit, or spread of the inflammatory process to adjacent structures. The examination may also be prescribed for complications of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses, in particular maxillary sinusitis, if it is necessary to assess the condition of tissues in the area of the eye socket.

The current price for CT of the eye orbits can be viewed here. At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, the examination is performed on modern GE Revolution Maxima and SIEMENS Healthineers SOMATOM go.Up scanners, which provide high image detail and diagnostic accuracy.

The examination can be undergone in Kyiv on the right bank — near the «Dorohozhychi» metro station, as well as on the left — in Berezniaky. If it is necessary to do a CT of the eye, an appointment for the examination can be made by phone or by ordering a callback through the form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• American College of Radiology
• US National Library of Medicine
• RadiologyInfo, American College of Radiology