How To Protocol Radiology Studies: CT Venogram (CTV) Head

OVERVIEW

This page is meant to discuss more about how to protocol a CT venogram (CTV) of the head. 

A CT venogram (CTV) is used to evaluate the venous drainage in the brain to look for venous pathology.
WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ACTUALLY INCLUDE?

hen you are protocoling/ordering this study it is important to realize exactly what you are “getting” from the study. A CTV of the head may be ordered on its own, or with other studies like a CTA of the head and neck. If ordered on its own this is what is included on the study.

  • Venous phase imaging from the skull base to the top of the skull
WHEN SHOULD THIS STUDY BE ORDERED?

It is important to appreciate that there are certain cases when a CTV of the head should be ordered. There are a few categories of indications that should be kept in mind.

  • Fractures that oppose the dural venous sinuses (ex occipital fractures): in this setting there can be concern for damage to the venous system which can be further evaluated on a CTV.
  • Concern for venous thrombus: in situations where there is concern for a venous thrombus a CTV will help more definitively evaluate for this.
WHEN SHOULD THIS STUDY NOT BE ORDERED?

There are some instances where a CTV should probably not be ordered.

  • Concern for arterial pathology: in cases where there is suspected arterial injury or thrombus a CTV will not evaluate the arterial system well. Instead a CTA of the head/neck may be more appropriate. It is important to keep in mind that sometimes a CTA of the head and neck is ordered with a CTV of the neck to evaluate for both arterial and venous pathology.

 

 

 

Page Updated: 01.21.2020