ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Head and Neck Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

For a parietoacanthial projection (Waters method) of the facial bones, what is the correct relationship between the positioning lines and the image receptor (IR) to best demonstrate the maxillary sinuses?

Accepted Answer

Mentomeatal line (MML) is perpendicular to the IR, placing the OML at a 37-degree angle to the IR.

Answer

In the parietoacanthial (Waters method) projection, the patient's head is tilted back so the chin touches the IR. This positioning makes the mentomeatal line (MML) perpendicular to the image receptor. As a result, the orbitomeatal line (OML) forms an approximately 37-degree angle with the IR. This specific angulation projects the dense petrous ridges just below the floor of the maxillary sinuses, providing an unobstructed view.

Question 2

A patient arrives in the emergency department with potential facial trauma. The physician suspects a depressed fracture of the right zygomatic arch. Which of the following projections would best demonstrate this specific injury with minimal superimposition?

Accepted Answer

Submentovertical (SMV) projection.

Answer

The submentovertical (SMV) projection is ideal for demonstrating the zygomatic arches. By directing the central ray from beneath the chin (submento) to the top of the head (vertex), the arches are projected bilaterally with minimal superimposition from other cranial structures. A modified Towne (AP axial) view can also be used, but the SMV provides a classic, unobstructed tangential view of the arches.

Question 3

When performing a cross-table lateral projection of the cervical spine on a trauma patient, what is the most critical anatomical landmark to ensure is included on the image for it to be considered diagnostically complete?

Accepted Answer

The top of the T1 vertebral body.

Answer

For a trauma cross-table lateral cervical spine radiograph to be considered complete and adequate for diagnosis, it must visualize all seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) and the C7-T1 junction. Failure to include the top of the T1 vertebral body is a common error and can lead to missed fractures or dislocations at this critical junction.

Question 4

Which of the following radiographic projections of the skull is specifically designed to demonstrate the petrous pyramids, internal auditory canals, and mastoid air cells of the temporal bone?

Accepted Answer

Axioanterior oblique posterior (Stenvers method)

Answer

The Stenvers method, an axioanterior oblique posterior projection, is specifically designed to visualize the structures within the temporal bone. By rotating the head 45 degrees and angling the central ray 12-14 degrees cephalad, this view projects the petrous pyramid, internal auditory canal, and mastoid process in profile, free from superimposition.

Question 5

A patient is scheduled for a sialography procedure to evaluate the submandibular gland. Which of the following is a primary clinical indication for this examination?

Accepted Answer

To investigate suspected calculi or strictures in the salivary duct.

Answer

Sialography is a specialized contrast-enhanced radiographic examination of the salivary glands and their ducts. Its primary indications include the evaluation of suspected obstructions, such as calculi (stones) or strictures (narrowing), as well as fistulas and other ductal pathologies.

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Practice Test

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Practice Test

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Head and Neck Procedures Questions and Answers