CT Anatomy and Clinical Applications Flashcards
6 cards from real Computed Tomography Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CT Anatomy and Clinical Applications flashcards as text
What is the CT angiography finding that indicates aortic dissection?
Answer: An intimal flap dividing the aortic lumen into true and false channels
Aortic dissection is characterized by a longitudinal intimal tear creating a flap that separates the aorta into two lumens — the true and false channels — visible on contrast CT.
On CT of the spine, which finding is most indicative of an acute compression fracture?
Answer: Loss of vertebral body height with band-like edema pattern on CT (marrow hyperdensity)
Acute vertebral compression fractures show loss of vertebral body height with preserved posterior elements and often show band-like hyperdensity representing compressed trabecular bone.
Which CT finding in the lung is most associated with malignancy in a solitary pulmonary nodule?
Answer: Spiculated (irregular/stellate) margins with pleural tethering
Spiculated margins reflect infiltrative tumor growth into adjacent lung parenchyma and are the strongest morphologic predictor of malignancy in a solitary pulmonary nodule.
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) is performed with the patient in which position to evaluate both the colon positions?
Answer: Both supine and prone positions
Both supine and prone acquisitions are standard for CT colonography; repositioning redistributes residual fluid and stool, allowing evaluation of dependent and non-dependent colonic segments.
Which CT finding is the hallmark of carotid artery stenosis evaluation on CT angiography?
Answer: Percentage of luminal narrowing at the carotid bifurcation
Carotid CTA quantifies the degree of luminal stenosis (percent narrowing) at the bifurcation and proximal internal carotid artery, which determines treatment decisions for stroke risk reduction.
What is the most appropriate CT protocol to evaluate a patient presenting with acute stroke within the therapeutic window?
Answer: Non-contrast CT brain followed by CT perfusion and CT angiography
The acute stroke CT protocol includes NCCT (to exclude hemorrhage), CT perfusion (to identify ischemic core and penumbra), and CTA (to identify vessel occlusion for thrombectomy planning).