CECT Face (AX & COR) is performed at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, an NABL & NABH accredited diagnostic Centre that provides advanced Radiology and diagnostic imaging Services. This contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) can provide detailed axial and coronal views of the facial bones, soft tissues, and surrounding anatomical areas, which can be used when clinically appropriate to aid in the assessment of facial injury, infection, swelling, mass effect, and other abnormalities.

About CECT Face (AX & COR)

CECT Face (AX & COR) is a special computed tomography (CT) scan that uses intravenous dye to look at the face. It displays detailed images of soft tissues, muscles, facial bones, and adjacent tissues. It comprises a view from the side and from the front, giving complementary views of the face. The use of contrast can help the doctor see certain soft tissue changes, inflammatory changes, collections and masses, and allow for a better determination of the extent and location of these conditions.

What is CECT Face (AX & COR)?

CECT is also known as ‘Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography.’ X-rays and computer processing are used for the scan to provide detailed cross-sectional images of the facial area. Selects a tissue, lesion, and/or vascular structure and gives an iodine-based contrast agent intravenously to improve the visibility of the selected tissues, lesions, and/or vascular structure.

• Axial (AX) View: AX cross-sectional images of the face on a horizontal plane.
• Coronal (COR) View: Front-oriented views useful to evaluate from an alternate plane of anatomy.

These views can be used to accurately evaluate the facial bones, nasal cavity, and maxillae within the scanned area, muscles, soft tissue, and other surrounding tissues. This range of areas tested will vary based on the doctor's order and imaging procedures.

Common Reasons for CECT Face (AX & COR)

• Facial Swelling: Assessment of any swelling caused by tissue in the face when the cause is not known or when the swelling in the face persists for longer than normal.
• Suspected Infection: Examining and evaluating selected facial infections for the possibility of involvement of the surrounding tissues.
• Facial Abscess: Workup for possible localized collection in those who require contrast-enhanced imaging.
• Facial Trauma: Examination of selected facial bone/soft tissue injuries.
• Soft-Tissue Masses: Diagnosis of unusual growth or lesions of the face area.
• Facial tissue changes – further assessment of selected inflammatory changes of facial tissues.
• Facial Pain: Investigation of symptoms in the presence of clinical findings suggestive of a clinical structural or soft-tissue abnormality.
• Abnormal Previous Imaging: Imaging obtained from previous exam (eg, CT or MRI) that reveals abnormal findings.
• Postoperative Assessment: Selection of postoperative alterations/ possible complications and evaluation.
• Treatment Planning: a procedure to determine the level and location of some abnormalities on the face before treatment or surgery.

Conditions Evaluated

Facial Soft-Tissue Abnormalities

Using CECT, detailed images of the facial muscles, subcutaneous tissues, and the rest of the soft tissues can be obtained. Contrast enhancement might be used to help delineate some abnormalities and determine the relationship between the abnormality and surrounding anatomy.

Facial Infections and Inflammation

Examination may be used to help assess specific infections and inflammatory problems of the face and may be useful when you are concerned that these may have extended into surrounding tissues. Findings are analyzed in the context of the clinical signs and symptoms.

Abscesses and Fluid Collections

If a facial abscess is suspected, then contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) might help reveal the collection and determine its location and extent of tissue changes. Additional evaluation may be required to make a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Facial Masses and Lesions

The assistance provided by CECT can assist in assessing the location, size, extent, and enhancement qualities of selected facial masses. Based on the information revealed, further imaging and/or tissue testing might be necessary for a proper diagnosis.

Facial Bone Abnormalities

The CT can be used to provide clear images of the facial skeleton, including the maxilla, zygomatic bones, nasal bones, and more in the field of view. It can assist in determining selected fractures, bone alterations, and framework abnormalities.

Maxillary and Adjacent Sinus Changes

If the scan coverage includes this, it may show any abnormalities in the tissues around the maxillary sinuses. If the main clinical problem is "routine sinus disease," then a dedicated paranasal sinus CT may be more appropriate.

Post-Traumatic Changes

CT can assist in evaluating some bone and soft-tissue injuries after a head trauma. Scan coverage and protocol are customized to the clinical indication and suspected injury.

Postoperative Changes

Patients may need CECT to check for any specific post-op abnormalities, such as suspected infection, collections, or other post-op changes in the facial area.

Extension into Adjacent Structures

If there are infections or lesions on the scans, contrast-enhanced images can be used to help determine if they permeate adjacent tissues in the scanned area. This information will be used to help plan and guide additional evaluation and treatment.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL and NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre offering all advanced radiological, nuclear medicine, and path lab services at the same Centre. We concentrate on developing a proper examination schedule, acquiring quality images, patient comfort, and reporting of the images. Before the scan, the patient is told what to do, and he/she is informed about the importance of contrast material and appropriate preparation and precautions.

Book Your CECT Face (AX & COR)

For those who have been advised by the doctor to take a CECT Face (AX & COR), contact Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy to arrange an examination. Take any previous CT or MRI scans, consultation notes, and other medical documentation, if available. Before undergoing the scan, communicate with the imaging staff any previous reaction to iodinated contrast, kidney disease, thyroid disease, current medication use, and whether there is a chance of becoming a mother, about the condition of the patient.