Caudal cranial projection

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Caudal cranial projection is an additional trouble shooting view.

Technique

  • invert the C arm as for a CC projection
  • step the patient forward and have her bend excessively forward at the waist to ensure that the abdomen does not encroach in the x ray field
  • place the image receptor above the breast at a level that allows adequate visualization of the breast/or high abnormality
  • elevate the inframammary fold, holding the breast in place against the image receptor
  • bring the compression paddle up towards the image receptor to hold the breast in place

Clinical application

It may be useful in the nonconforming patient or in trouble shooting abnormalities high on the chest wall that slip from the view on routine CC projection.

Limitation

It is used minimally as it is uncomfortable for the technologist and the patient. Often overlapping of the abdominal tissue prevents visualization of the breast tissue.