CT protocol article structure

Articles describing specific CT protocols require a different set of subheadings as the usual epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathology, etc. are not relevant.

Example article: CT pulmonary angiogram (technique)

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An introductory sentence, with the title of the article repeated and emboldened e.g.: The computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA/CTPE) is a commonly performed diagnostic examination to exclude pulmonary emboli. Each radiology department will have a slightly different method for achieving the same outcome, i.e. adequate enhancement of the pulmonary trunk and its branches.

A brief explanation (italicized) stating it is understood this is not a one size fits all protocol e.g.:  NB: This article is intended to outline some general principles of protocol design. The specifics will vary depending on CT hardware and software, radiologists' and referrers' preference, institutional protocols, patient factors (e.g. allergy) and time constraints. 

Indications

Brief indications for the exam for example: CT perfusions studies are performed in the context of patients presenting with acute neurological symptoms that may represent cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. It is often the penultimate study in the code stroke CT pathway.

Purpose

The end goal of the exam, which makes the exam diagnostic and why for example The purpose of this scan is to measure/observe contrast enhancement as it makes its way through the arterial and venous system, making this a 'functional scan'. The scan will calculate the enhancement (if any) over time.

Contraindications

Technique

• patient position
• scout
• scan extent
• scan direction
• scan duration
• contrast injection considerations
• scan delay

Practical points

Anything that is useful for the radiographer or radiologist regarding this exam

Post-processing

Not all articles will require post-processing tips however some are quite relevant for example the CT perfusion brain

Examples

• CT perfusion (brain)
• CT pulmonary angiogram