ALU book chapter 1 Flashcards
A procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to image soft tissue
Ultrasonography
What are invasive tests?
Techniques that involve the puncture or cutting of the skin, or entry into an orifice, for the purpose of introducing an instrument or catheter
What are the most common diagnostic imaging tests
X-rays, Ct, ultrasound, MRI, and radionuclide studies
A common imaging technique that uses a beam of radiation that is scatter or absorbed in differing amounts by different tissues.
x-ray
an imaging tool that allows the physician to view, in real time, moving parts of the body, such as barium moving through the intestine–it is used for both diagnosis and treatment
fluoroscopy
Name 3 contrast agents
barium, iodine, and gadolinium-based contrast
The use of small amounts of short-lived radioactive substance that is formulated to be absorbed by targeted tissues
nuclear medicine
a nuclear medicine that can be attached to a carrier substance that is injected intravenously, taken orally, or inhaled by the individual
radionuclide or radiopharmaceutical
What are the most common radionuclides?
radioactive iodine, technetium, thallium, gallium, and indium
What are nuclear studies most useful for
useful for imaging bone, for determination of thyroid and hepatobiliary function, and assess for coronary artery disease
A procedure that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to image soft tissue and procedure an image
ultrasonography
The types of waves for ultrasonography
scattered, refracted, and attenuated
On an ultra sound, how is an organ measured?
it is calculated by measuring the time it takes for the sound waved to travel to the transducer to the reflecting surface being studied and back to the transducer where they are amplified and displayed on a monitor
3 different tissues that reflect sound waves in varying degrees
hyperechoic tissues show white on the image, hypoechoic tissues show gray on the image, and anechoic being the total absence of reflected sound waves
Advantages of ultrasound over MRI and CT
- its ability to differentiate solid from fluid-filled structures
- lower cost
- portability
- accessibility
- no exposure to ionizing raditation
Limitations of ultrasonography
- the skill level of the ultrasonologist
- image resolution that is not as good as other techniques
- “noise” produced when US waves hit gas and bone
different ultrasound techniques
a-mode, b-mode, m-mode, grayscale, real-time, and doppler
allows scanning at a rate rapid enough to create a moving image of the heart, including the motion of the valves and walls
real-time ultrasound
What is a doppler ultrasound
used to measure the velocity and direction of blood flow within the heart and blood vessels by measuring change in pitch. It is useful in the valuation of venous insufficiency, blood clots, arterial occlusion, or stenosis
What is a duplex scan
using a combination of b-mode with the doppler ultrasound
What is computed tomography (CT)
created by passing a rotating beam of x-rays into the individual and obtaining thousands of point images at specific depths. It is compared to taking a loaf of sliced bread then examining it one slice at a time
Limitation of CT
exposes an individual to a significantly higher dose of iodizing radiation
What is an electronic-beam computed tomography (EBCT)
use electronic beam that allows such rapid acquisition of images that it can produce images of the coronary arteries despite the motion of the heart
What is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
uses a magnetic field to induce changes in proton spin within tissues. Radioactive waves are emitted at specific frequencies that make atoms resonate and absorb the energy. The tissue them release a weak radio wave that can be measured by a scanner and amplifies
Who cannot have an MRI
Individuals with implanted metal, such as pacemakers, pin and plates, implanted defibrillators, cochlear implants, or artificial joints
When is an MRI preferred to a CT
when soft tissue resolution is needed
Why would contrast be helpful for an MRI
can be used to highlight vasculature, areas of inflammation, and tumors
What is a positron emission tomography (PET) scan
diagnostic images obtained from the decay of a positron emitting radionuclide agent. A donut-shaped machine records these energy emissions in in real time
What agent is used for PET scans
Fluorine-18 labeled deoxy glucose
What is a PET scan primarily used for?
used to evaluate pulmonary nodules to determine if they are metabolically active
used to evaluate lung cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma and melanoma
useful adjunct in diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and hibernating myocardium
Limitations of PET scan
- cost
- accessibility
- the nature of the radionuclide agent
- the fact that elevated serum glucose or insulin levels can adversely affect the results
- limited sensitivity for defining tumors smaller then 10 mm
- the high degree of expertise required for proper interpretation
What is an imaging study used to visualize the major blood vessels in the body, including those of the heart, carotids, brain, kidneys, lungs and legs
traditional angiography
Why would contrast be used for an angiography?
allows identification of obstruction, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis
Why are CTA and MRA are preferred to angiography?
less invasive, less risk, and produce reasonably accurate images
what allows the physician to investigate the body and inspect cavities or hallow organs
endoscopy
what is an invasive procedure that employs the optical qualities of fiberoptic technology and power lens system that allows light to travel and images to be transmitted through curved structures
endoscopy
Why does the endoscopic instrument have a port?
- installation of drugs, air, or fluid
- suction, irrigation and cauterization
- equipment needed to perform biopsies
Diagnostic test for acute head trauma
ct without contrast
diagnostic test for TIA
CT/CTA, MRI/MRA carotid ultrasound
diagnostic test for acute hemorrhage, acute hemorrhagic stroke
CT/CTA, MRO/MRA
diagnostic test for brain abscess
ct or mri with contrast
diagnostic test for sinus disease
ct, mri
diagnostic test for hydrocephalus
ct, mri, cisternography
diagnostic test for aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation
MR angiogram, CT angiogram
diagnostic testing for acute non-hemorrhagic stroke
ct/cta, mri/mra
diagnostic testing for tumor or metastasis
ct/mri
diagnostic testing for multiple sclerosis
mri
diagnostic testing for Alzheimer’s
MRI, PET/CT scan
The radiographic imaging of the subarachnoid spaces that contain spinal fluid. It is used to diagnose cerebral fluid problems
cisternography
What is a tilt table test?
a test used to evaluate syncope, particularly when cardiac testing and seizure evaluation have not provided a diagnosis
What is an electroencephalography?
measures and records the low voltage electrical activity produced by the brain. Electrodes are placed at defined points on the scalp and 16-20 electrode pairs are evaluated
What is an electromyography?
an invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a needle electrode into a muscle and the recording of electrical activity of muscle fibers individually and collectively
The measured electrical response of the brain to stimulation of specific sensory pathways. Wires are placed onto the scalp overlying areas to be stimulated and electrical impulses are recorded on a graph
Evoked potentials
used in the diagnosis of MS. They detect slowing of electrical conduction due to demyelination
Visual evoked potentials (VEPs)
an electrical response to a click or noise made in each ear. Helps in the diagnosis of deafness, particularly in infants, and the response is delayed in MS.
Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER)
detects sequential activation of nerves along a pathway
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPS)
a biopsy used for skin lesions that are considered suspicious for malignancy and to confirm a clinical diagnosis. Shave and punch biopsies remove small pieces of tissue.
Skin biopsy
What is a nailfold microscopy?
the use of an optical microscope to visualize, and a computer to quantify, changes in size, shape and number of capillaries.
What tests are used for testing of the eyes?
fluorescein angiography, Snellen test, tonometry, and Schirmer tear test
What is the test that involves the intravenous injection of fluorescein dye into an arm vein to image the retina and choroid vasculature of the eye? A special camera is used to take pictures before and after the dye is injected.
Fluorescein Angiography
What is the Snellen Test
it is a common test for visual acuity. It involves the reading of block letters of graduated sizes at a specific distance
A test that measures intraocular pressure.
tonometry
What is a Schirmer tear test?
It is used to determine if the eye is producing sufficient tears to keep it moist. A strip of filter paper is paced under the lower lid and the number of tears is absorbed over a five-minute period is measured
What tests are used for hormonal/glandular disorder?
Thyroid update and scans, fine needle aspirate, and parotid sialography
What are the 3 classifications of nodules found on a thyroid scan?
cold, functional, and hot
What is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the thyroid nodule and obtaining cells and/or fluid for pathological diagnosis?
fine needle aspirate (FNA)
What is a parotid dialogrpahy
used in the diagnosis and management of parotid lesions. It involves the injection of a contrast material into the parotid duct. Pa and lateral x-rays are performed.
What is a MIBG scan
useful for diagnosing pheochromocytoma and neuroblastomas. It involves the injection of MIGB and a specialist scanner is used.