Orbital computed tomography: What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Le Thao Tram - Radiologist - Radiology Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

1. Meaning of orbital computed tomography

The eye socket is structured as a pyramidal cavity, its apex is directed posteriorly, the base is extended anteriorly by the skull and facial skeleton. The soft tissues of the orbit do not directly apply to the periosteum of the orbit. The organization of the orbit consists of a tenon sheath surrounding the eyeball from the corneal margin. From the tenonium capsule to the wall of the orbit, there are many fibrous fatty tissues that help the eyeball stand in a certain position.
Although the eye is one of the small organs in the body, it plays an important role. Besides, it is very vulnerable and causes serious diseases. So, computed tomography of the orbit helps to check for trauma, inflammation, infection, damage, ... in the orbital area.

2. What do patients need to prepare before an orbital computed tomography scan?

The orbital computed tomography scan requires the following preparation:
● The patient will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours prior to the procedure.
● Patients should tell their doctor if they are taking the diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage).
● The patient will be asked to remove all jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the procedure.
● The patient may be asked to use additional contrast material prior to the procedure. The medicine will help certain areas show up better on X-rays. The medicine may be given intravenously into the patient.

3. Steps to perform an orbital computed tomography scan

The patient will be explained in detail by the specialist and the technician to help the patient cooperate more easily.
● The patient is asked to lie still on the imaging bed and to be moved across the scanner, movement can blur the image.
● Computed tomography of the orbit after iodinated contrast injection. This case will be done according to the doctor's prescription, if any.
● Print movies and burn discs.
Evaluation of results: Describe in detail the lesion such as: location, structure, size of the lesion. Compare the results of computerized and clinical sand images. Finally give a definitive diagnosis if any.

4. How to deal with complications in orbital computed tomography

Performing an orbital computed tomography scan helps the doctor to easily diagnose and treat the disease early with high treatment efficiency. However, there will be some effects when taking computerized tomography of the orbit, so patients need to be guided by a doctor to limit this situation.
Orbital computed tomography may present risks of X-ray exposure. Therefore, close monitoring and control is required to ensure that the least amount of radiation is used. In addition, with some specific cases, it is necessary to use contrast material to increase accuracy of the imaged areas that can cause allergic reactions. Mild allergies can be itching, nausea, sneezing, hives. Your doctor will probably use an antihistamine or steroid before the test.
If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you should inform your doctor if you must use contrast. At that time, the doctor will recommend preventive measures before and after using the contrast agent.
In some cases of contrast media use, there has been a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Notify your doctor right away for prompt treatment.
Orbital computed tomography is one of the effective methods to help doctors diagnose and effectively treat eye-related diseases, but this method can leave some complications such as X-ray exposure. , allergies,... Therefore, patients should choose reputable clinics to minimize these complications.

Vinmec International General Hospital has been and continues to invest in modern machines to serve the work of computed tomography, X-ray,... in imaging diagnostics, including examination for eye diseases. Especially in order to bring high efficiency in medical examination and treatment, Vinmec now also designs many medical services accompanied by leading specialists to provide the best treatment results for you. customer.
To be examined and treated for Vinmec disease, please come directly to Vinmec Health System or register online HERE.
References: medlineplus.gov