Diagnostic Imaging (1-8) Flashcards
how is the energy of an x-ray related to its wavelength
inversely proportional
this is a discrete bundle of electromagnetic radiation
photon
these are able to penetrate materials that absorb or reflect visible light, can cause fluorescence in certain materials, and produce an image on photosensitive film
x-rays
what does damage to tissue by x-rays result from?
- direct interaction with DNA
- indirect ionization of water molecules leading to formation of radicals
name 4 most radiation sensitive tissues; they are actively and quickly dividing tissues
- bone marrow
- epithelial cells of GIT
- gonadal cells
- embryonic cells
name the x-ray biological effect
probability of damage increases with dose (cancer, genetic effects); no known lower threshold
stochastic effects
name the x-ray biological effect
high radiation exposure; damage only over a threshold; severity increases with dose;
erythema, hematopoietic damage, cataract; concern in radiation therapy and nuclear accidents
deterministic effects
this is the amount of ionization per mass of air
exposure
name the unit used to measure
exposure
C/kg Roentgen R
(amount of ionization per mass of air)
this is the amount of energy transferred by radiation per mass
absorbed dose
name the unit used to measure
absorbed dose
Gray (Gy) = J/kg
this is a measure of radiation and organ system damage in humans: quality factor for different radiation
effective dose
name the unit used to measure
effective dose
Sievert (Sv)
what is the limited effective dose for employees 18+
20 mSv / year
what is the limited effective dose for for trainees 16-18 years old
6 mSv / year
what is the limited effective dose for the general public
1 mSv / year
what is the limited effective dose for pregnant women
< 1 mSv for remainder of pregnancy
what are the 3 exceptions to vet radiation protection regulation that small animals should be sedatd and restrained with sandbags
- critical illness where sedation would deteriorate condition
- specific technique requiring presence
- patient type (LA)
name 6 methods of radiation protection
- indication
- filtration of x-ray tube
- time
- distance
- shielding
- collimation
- personnel monitoring
name the law
if the distance from the primary source is doubled, the intensity will decrease by a factor of 4
inverse square law
what 3 items must be worn for shielding (radiation protection)
- lead apron
- lead gloves
- lead thyroid collar
how thick must the lead be for aprons to protect againt radiation
0.25 mm
how thick must the lead be for gloves to protect againt radiation
0.35 mm
name the method of radiation protection
this is the reduction of the exposed area to the area of interest;
reduces the amount of scatter radiation
collimation
name 2 types of dosimeter
- film badge
- thermoluminescent (TLD)
how often should dosimeters be analyzed
at least quarterly
how are x-rays produced
conversion of kinetic energy of accelerated electrons into electromagnetic radiation
where does production, acceleration and deceleration of electrons take place for x-rays?
w/in the x-ray tube
what is the source of electrons for x-rays
cathode
what causes acceleration of electrons for x-rays
potential difference
what causes deceleration of electrons for x-rays
anode
how much of the energy in the x-ray tube is converted to x-rays? and what is the rest converted to?
<1% x-rays
99% heat
what unit is the x-ray tube current measured in?
(number of electrons flowing per second from filament to target)
mA (milliamperes x seconds)
what unit is the potential difference in the x-ray tube measured in
kVp (kilovolt peak)
what is the best angle for the anode in an x-ray tube
6-20 degrees
if KVp for an x-ray beam is increased, what other 3 things will increase?
- electrons velocity
- number of x-ray photons produced
- energy (penetrating power of each x-ray photon)
if mA is increased for an x-ray beam, what other 2 things will increase?
- filament heating and tube current
- number of x-rays being produced
name the interaction of x-rays with matter
this is the decrease in intensity of an x-ray beam as it passed through matter
attenuation
name the interaction of x-rays with matter
when a photon is removed from the beam
absorption
name the interaction of x-rays with matter
when a photon changes direction
scatter
name the interaction of x-rays with matter
x-ray passes through matter without interaction
transmission
name the effect
complete absorption of x-ray photon; photoelectron removed from shell; electron from higher shell falls into space
photoelectric effect
name the x-ray effect
incoming photon ejects free outer shell electron from the tissue atom, photon is scattered; scattered photon has lower energy but may produce ionizations, fog the film and is a radiation safety hazard; results in almost all scatter radiation
compton effect
the photoelectric effect of x-rays is the prdominant interaction in what range of kVp radiation?
low range (up to 30 kVp)
the Compton effect of x-rays is the predominant interaction in what kVp range?
high kVp range
this reduces x-ray scatter to produce a diagnostic quality radiograph; requires increased exposure
grids
name the type of radiographic image acquisition
uses x-ray film, casssetes with intensifying screens, automatic/manual film processor, view box for film review, and an archive for film filing
conventional radiography
name the layers of a double emulsion x-ray film
- protective coating
- silver halide emulsion
- polyester base
- silver halide emulsion
- protective coating
name the components and ratios of silver halide crystal in a double emulsion x-ray film
- 2% Silver ion (Ag+)
- 98% bromide ion (Br-)
name the 2 parts of exposure effect on silver halide crystals with conventional radiography
- electron in silver bromide released by light energy
- silver atom formation at the sensitivity speck
what does ‘sensitivity speck’ refer to in conventional radiography
trapped electron (in silver halide crystal)
this image reflects the pattern of the part being radiographed and is views through processing
(conventional radiography)
latent image
name the part of image processing with conventional radiography
latent image center catalyzes the reaction which reduced the remaining silver ion into grain of metallic silver
developer
name the part of image processing with conventional radiography
prevents further development and removes undeveloped silver bromide from film
fixer
name the part of image processing with conventional radiography
removes fixer chemicals that would otherwise discolor film over time
wash (rinse & dry)
name the effect
the use of an intensifying screen in x-ray film for conventional radiography;
95% of film exposure is from light given off by the intensifying screen
fluorescent effect
name 3 reasons to use an intensifying screen with conventional radiography
- reduce personnel exposure
- reduce patient exposure
- increased contrast
this is used to absorb scatter radiation to imrove radiographic contrast;
recommended when bosy part thickness > 10cm
grid
what must be done to mAs when using a grid with radiography
increased by factore of 2-3
name the type of radiographic image acquisition
image is captures in cassettes containing phosphor storage layer;
cassete put into laser film reader;
computer generates digital image in DICOM which is sent and stored with PACS
(filmless, no chemistry, no darkroom)
computed radiography (CR)
name the type of radiographic image acquisition
imaging receptor plate containing many small detector elements transforming x-rays into electrical signal;
images viewed on local workstation then sent to PACS;
detector panel often built into table
Direct Digital Radiography (DR)
name the type of radiographic image acquisition
provides moving radiographic images (40 frames/sec); high quality images
Dynamic Digital Radiography
name 4 advantages of computed radiography
- time efficient
- good image quality
- lower radiation dose possible
- cost effective
name 3 disadvantages of computed radiography
- laser reader sensitive to dust
- maintenance of moving part
- manual labor still required
name 3 advantages of direct digital radiography
- image obtained w/in several seconds
- good image quality
- lower radiation dose possible
name 2 disadvantages of direct digital radiography
- more expensive
- more fragile
this is where the x-ray tube takes multiple radiographs and fuses images for up to 1.2 m length;
tube rotational and longitudinal rotation to achieve perfect seam of images
image stitching
name 5 advantages of computed and digital radiography (compared to conventional radiography)
- no acquisition and display flexibility
- images are viewable from computers
- all image files in DICOM
- PACS central digital archive with remote back up data
- no fil filing, lost film, dark room, or archive room
name 3 features of DICOM
- unified standard that is vendor independent
- both file format and communication protocols
- prevents manipulation of image data
name 3 features of PACS
- central storage of images
- replaces hard copies film and storage
- allows remote access
what does DICOM stand for
Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine
what does PACS stand for
Picture Archiving and Communication System
List the five radiopacities in order of their opacity
Radiolucent (dark)
1. gas
2. fat
3. soft tissue
4. mineral
5. metallic
Radiopaque (light)
what are orthogonal projections
two projections, 90 degrees to each other
this is the enlargement of the radiographic image of an object relative to its actual size;
increased film-subject distance
magnification
this is the partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object;
increases with magnification
penumbra
this is the misrepresentation of the true shape of an object
distortion
this is the superimposition of structures in different planes
summation
this is two structures of the same radiopacity in contact; their margins cannot be identified
border effacement
the patient right is on this side of the radiograph image
left
the patient rostral/cranial is on this side of the radiograph image
left
name 3 meanings of side markers
- anatomic left/right side
- recumbency (which side down)
- lateral margin on CrCd/DP or oblique vies
name 6 important viewing conditions for digital radiography
- quite
- ambient room lighting
- block out extra light
- high luminescence and high def monitor
- uninterrupted
- not tired/stressed/busy
name 5 things to check for evaluation of radiographic quality
- exposure
- collimation
- patient positioning
- phase of respiration
- patient factors
name the 5 Roentgen Signs
- size
- shape
- opacity
- location
- number
how to most efficiently use logical and intuitive thinking to interpret a radiograph
in combination with each other (first intuitive, then logical)
systematic search is what type of thinking for radiograph interpretation
logical thinking
pattern recognition is what type of thinking for radiograph interpretation
intuitive thinking
this is what the eye sees
vision
this is what the brain sees
perception
this is the mental completion of incomplete contours based on expected shapes;
creates false organ visibility on radiographs
subjective contours (perceptual distortion)
this is where alternative perceptions can both be seen, but not at the same time;
bias towards the expected perception
multistability of perception
this is the degree of perceptible difference between two color tones
image contrast
name the colors seen in high image contrast
black and white
name the colors seen in low image contrast
gray and gray
this is the difference in radiographic gray tones between two radiographed structures due to their physical differences
object contrast
this is the ability of an x-ray film to produce a degree of image contrast
film contrast
does fat decrease or enhace radiographic contrast
enhances (except in excessive quantities, then decreases)
does gas decrease or enhace radiographic contrast
enhances
this is a substance applied to patient to enhance the “natural” contrast of the organ of interest
contrast medium
name 2 types of negative contrast media in radiography
air, CO2
what is the purpose of negative contrast media in radiography
outlining of hollow organ walls
name 2 possible adverse effects of negative contrast media in radiography
- overdistention & rupture
- gas embolism (with air)
name 2 types of positive contrast media in radiography
Barium Sulphate & Iodinated Compounds
this type of contrast media in radiography has a high absorption of x-rays and is therefore very radiopaque
positive contrast media
this type of contrast media in radiography does not absorb x-rays and is therefore radiolucent
negative contrast media
name 3 purposes of positive contrast media in radiography
- outlining of internal surface of hollow organs, vessels and ducts
- organ displacement
- filling defects
name the type of positive contrast media in radiography
outlines wall and lumen of GI tract (coats mucosa), outlining of mass effect;
biologically inert, not hypertonic, metabolized or absorbed
barium sulphate
name 2 adverse effects of barium sulphate as a contrast medium in radiography
- causes granuloma/adhesion in peritoneal cavity
- aspiration
name the type of iodinated contrast media
dissociates into cations and anions; hyperosmalar
ionic contrast media
name the type of ionidated contrast media
do NOT dissociate; iso- or low osmolar, slightly more expensive
non-ionic contrast media
what defect occurs in positive contrast?
structures surrounded by positive contrast will appear lucent if less opaque than contrast media (structures change their relative opacity!)
filling defect
what is the advantage of using both positive and negative contrast media? (double contrast studies)
highlight mucosal detail with positive contrast while providing dark background with negative contrast
this is when contrast medium is injected into the subarachnoid space to outline the spinal cord
myelography
what contrast media is used intravenously in computed tomography (CT)
iodinated contrast media
what contrast media is used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
paramagnetic substances (rare earth metals, Gadolinium)
what contrast media is used in ultrasound
agitated saline (cheap) OR encapsulated microbubbles (expensive)
name 6 uses of musculoskeletal imaging
- lameness
- pain
- swelling
- localized mass
- known trauma
- screening tool
name 5 prinicples of interpretation for musculoskeletal radiology
- adequate projections
- appropriate centering and collimation
- appropriate exposure
- examine ‘full image’
- consider distribution of changes
name the part of the long bone
this is the outer layer of the bone (you don’t see it on radiology)
periosteum
name the part of the long bone
this is the actual bone that is seen on the radiograph
cortex
name the part of the long bone
this is the inner layer lining the bone (don’t see it on the radiograph)
endosteum
name 5 soft tissue changes that can be seen with musculoskeletal radiography
- generalized or localized swelling
- masses
- calcification
- wounds
- joint effusions
name 6 responses of bone to insult
- new bone formation
- osteosclerosis
- osteolysis
- bone atrophy
- osteopenia
- fractures
name the type of new bone formation
new bone at joint surfaces;
increased stability to an unstable joint
osteophytosis
name the type of new bone formation
related to ligament/tendon attachments;
increased strength of an attachment;
can be an indication of soft tissue disease;
includes spondylosis deformans
enthesophytosis
name the type of new bone formation
resulting from stimulation of the periosteum (trauma, chronic irritation, bone healing, infection, neoplasia);
typically takes 7-10 days to form;
can indicate the aggression of teh disease process
periosteal reaction
name the 5 forms of a periosteal reaction
- smooth
- lamellated
- palisading
- irregular
- spicular/’sunburst’
name the type of new bone formation
an excessive growth of bone
hyperostosis
name the resoponse of bone to injury
increase in bone density without a change in shape;
leads to increased opacity on a radiograph;
as a result of Wolff’s law;
adaptive respose to increased loading
osteosclerosis
state Wolff’s Law
bone of healthy person/animal will adapt to loads under which it is placed
name the resoponse of bone to injury
seen in infection, neoplasia or chronic inflammation
osteolysis
name the resoponse of bone to injury
chronic slow growing lesions (cysts and benign neoplasia) can exert chronic pressure on adjacent bone; results in thinning and deviation of adjacent bone structures
bone atrophy
aggressive or non-aggressive bone lesion?
long zone of transition
loss of cortex
marked periosteal reaction
aggressive
aggressive or non-aggressive bone lesion?
well circumscribed lesion
cortical expansion/thinning
no periosteal reaction
non-aggressive
name the resoponse of bone to injury
a reduction in bone mineral density; leads to reduced opacity on a radiograph
osteopenia
name the 2 types of osteopenia
- metabolic
- disuse
name 3 types (causes) of bone fractures
- traumatic
- pathological
- fatigue (stress)
list the 5 steps of bone fracture healing
- hematoma formation
- woven bone + cartilage
- ossification of cartilage
- lamellar bone
- recontoures lamellar bone
whta 5 things should be assessed with fracture healing
- reduction
- alignment
- implants
- soft tissues
- bone healing
name the term
inflammation of bone with medulla
osteomyelitis
name the term
inflammation of bone without medulla (skull, phalanx 3)
osteitis
name 4 sequestrum of infectious osteomyelitis
- small avascular bone fragment from fracture
- serves as nidus for infection
- surrounding new bone: involucrum
- drainage hole: cloaca
name 5 examples of radiological evidence of joint disease
- osteophytosis
- alterations in the subchondral bone
- altered joint space
- subluxation/luxation
- periarticular structures
name the 5 steps of image formation in ultrasound
- pizoelectric crystals in probe emit pulse of sound
- sound travels through patient
- reflected sound returns to probe
- a dot is produced on gray-scale image
- multiple dots make complete image
give the equation for velocity in ultrasound
velocity = frequency x wavelength
give the equation for frequency in ultrasound
frequency = velocity / wavelength
what is the assumed velocity of sound through tissue
(ultrasound)
1540 m/s
what does attenuation mean?
ex: when sound is propagated through a medium it undergoes attenuation
loses strength
the higher the frequency, the (more or less?) sound beam absorption?
more
absorption of ultrasound beams results in what type of energy?
thermal energy
the amount of sound beam returned depends on what of adjacent tissues
acoustic impedence
what is the equation for acoustic impedance?
acoustic impedance = tissue density x tissue sound velocity
(Z = PV)
what material has the lowest acoustic impedance and therefore slowest velocity of sound?
air
what material has the highest acoustic impedance and therefore the fastest velocity of sound?
bone (skull)
what two materials in the body act as barriers to ultrasound due to their large differences in acoustic impedance?
bone and air
this is the ability of a transducer to differentiate two adjacent individual structures
resolving power (resolution)
name the 2 types of resolution
(ultrasound)
- lateral
- axial
name the type of resolution (ultrasound)
the ability to distinguish 2 objects parallel to the sound beam OR 2 objects behind each other
axial resolution
name the type of resolution (ultrasound)
the ability to distinguish 2 objects perpendicular to the sound beam OR 2 objects next to each other
lateral resolution
the (longer or shorter?) the wavelength, the better the resolution
(ultrasound)
shorter
(increasing or decreasing?) frequency improves resolution?
(ultrasound)
increasing
this is when the beam converges at a specified distance to improve lateral resolution
(ultrasound)
focal zone
in this mode of ultrasound, returning signals are displayed as grey dots on a screen with echo intensity displayed as dots of brightness on the screen
B mode (brightness mode)
in B mode of ultrasound, black dots mean this
no echoes
in B mode of ultrasound, grey to white dots mean this
many echoes
in this mode of ultrasound, moving structures with a strip recording made at right angles to the B mode display;
used especially in echocardiography
M mode (motion mode)
in this mode of ultrasound, sound is reflected at different frequencies from moving objects;
RBCs act as small reflectors
Doppler mode
what does the color blue mean on color doppler mode of ultrasound
away
what does the color red mean on color doppler mode on ultrasound
towards
name the U/S echoginecity pattern for no returning echoes - black
anechoic echo pattern
name the U/S echoginecity pattern forlow intensity returining echoes (dark grey)
hypoechoic echo pattern
name the U/S echoginecity pattern for high intensity returning echoes (appears very light - grey/white)
hyperechoic echo pattern
name the U/S echoginecity pattern for same number of returning echoes as adjacent tissues; used to compare two structures to each other
isoechoic echo pattern
name the U/S echoginecity pattern for when echoes are of the expected intensity
normoechoic echo pattern
name the U/S echoginecity pattern for multiple mixed hyperechoic, hypoechoic, and anechoic echo patterns
complex echo pattern
list the 3 machine assumptions that lead to US artifacts
- sound only travels in stright lines
- sound travels at a constant speed
- returning echoes only result from objects located along the transducer axis
name the U/S artifact
fluid structures attenuate less sound, resulting in a greater beam strength beyond the fluid structure making that area more echogenic ;
allows us to tell teh difference between fluids and solids
acoustic enhancement
name the U/S artifact
certain substances absorb all of the sound beam at an acoustic interface leaving an anechoic area beyond the substance (ex. bone);
allows us to ID dense structures
acoustic shadow
name the U/S artifact
occurs when sound beam travels at a different velocity at the edge of a rounded structure;
sound beam becomes bent and does not return to the trasnducer;
normal finding
refractive and reflective shadows
name the U/S artifact
where an acoustic interface reflects so much sound that the transducer/skin interface reflects the sound back into the body again so the structure is assumed to be twice as deep;
may be repeated several times resulting in multiple echogenic equidistant lines
reverberation arifacts
reverberation artifacts in U/S are most likely to occur with what material
air
name the U/S artifact
Sound reflected from a curved interface
is reflected by another interface before returning to the transducer via the original highly reflective interface
mirror image artifacts
what two rules must be met for a mirror image artifact to occur in U/S
- presence of a highly reflective interface
- presence of a highly curved convex/concave structure
name the U/S artifact
false debris in the urinary or gallbladder (pseudosludge)
slice thickness artifact
name the U/S artifact
only show up against fluid-containing structures such as the urinary bladder;
scanning in different planes confirms their artifactual nature
side lobe artifact
this knob allows amplitudes of all the echoes on an U/S to be intensified or suppressed
overall gain
this allows all of the image to have the same intensity on the screen;
acoustic interfaces deep within the body will be amplified & those close to transducer may be supressed resulting in a homogenous screen image
(ultrasound)
selective gain / time gain compensation
name 5 main vet application of U/S
- abdominal U/S
- thoracic U/S
- tendon U/S (equines)
- reproductive U/S
- echocardiography
name 3 major advantages of U/S
- safe
- non-invasive
- low running costs after initial outlay
name 3 disadvantages of U/S
- operator dependent
- only sonographer at time of scan can tell how the probe is held relative to the patient
- cannot penetrate bone or gas so not all tissues accessible
name the 5 main components of a CT unit
- x-ray tube
- gantry
- fan-shaped detector row
- movable patient couch
- computer & workstation
name the CT mode
x-ray tube and detectors perform one rotation around patient who does not move;
results in many differently angled attenuation values from which a matrix image is reconstructed
sequential/axial mode
how many Hounsfield units (HU) is air for CT
-1000 HU
how many Hounsfield units (HU) is water for CT
0 HU
define voxel (in terms of CT slice)
volume element
define pixel (in terms of CT slice)
picture element
name the CT mode
continuous rotation of the x-ray tube detector set, patient moves through gantry during tube rotation;
results in volume data set;
allows faster scanning and reduction of motion artifacts
helical/spiral mode
the ‘stretch’ of the helix in helical/spiral CT mode is called this;
it is a unitless ratio = table movement/slice thickness during one rotaion of the x-ray tube
pitch
the slower the pitch in helical/spiral mode CT, the (better or worse?) quality of image
better
name the type of CT
multiple rows of detectors (up to 1000), allows larger coverage of a larger body area per tube rotation with thin slice width;
data from each thin detector row can be processed separately as thin slice images or binned/fused as thick slice images
multi-slice/multi-detector-row CT
thick or thin slice CT images?
high spatial resolution & sharpness (important for bone)
relatively noisy
thin-slice CT images
(0.3-1mm)
thick or thin slice CT images?
high contrast resolution (important for soft tissue)
reduced noise
thick-slice CT images
(2-5mm)
name the type of CT
uses large plate of flat panel detectors;
images are reconstructed as a volume of 3D data (not slice-by-slice);
results in isometric resolution in any image plane, has higher spatial resolution but slower rotation time of the tube;
normal electric plug;
very good for bone and teeth
cone beam CT (CBCT) / flat panel detector CT (FPCT)
name 5 advantages of cone beam/flat panel detector CT over multislice CT
- less expensive
- mobile
- units custom-made for animals
- good image quality for bone and teeth
- technically higher spatial resolution
name 3 limitations of cone beam/flat panel detector CT compared to multislice CT
- poor image quality for soft tissue
- risk of motion artifact (slow tube rotation)
- involves ionizing radiation
define window center in CT imaging
brightness
define window width in CT imaging
contrast
what size window width do nose, lung, and bone require in CT viewing
wide window
what size window width do soft tissue, brain and post contrast studies require for CT viewing
narrow window
name the type of CT
CT performs repeated, fast, back-and-forward scans over length determined by scanner; computer merges all individual scan data into one space and time-resolved data set
4D-CT
name 3 applications of 4D-CT
- canine ureter anatomy (ectopic ureters)
- ECG-gated CT
- perfusion CT
name the type of CT
image acquisition triggered by ECG;
continuous scanning through multiple cardiac cycles;
restrospective segmentation into different phases of the cycle (ideally 10% segments)
ECG-gated CT
name the type of CT
allows perfusion assessment of parenchymal organs during contrast bolus injection;
based on 4D-CT technology
main uses: brain, liver, kidneys, neoplasia
perfusion CT
name 2 causes of decreased cerebral perfusion
- infarction
- compression
name 2 causes of increased cerebral perfusion
- neoplasia
- inflammatory lesions
name the diagnostic imaging technique
patient is placed in a magnet, a radiowave is sent in, the radiowave is turned off, the patient emits a signal which is recieved by coils;
the signal emitted by the patient is used to create the picture
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
what type of magnet is used in an MRI scanner?
(electromagnets where an electrical current is passed through a superconducting material)
superconductive magnets
what must the wire in an MRI be bathed in?
a cryogen (liquid helium or liquid nitrogen)
name the type of MRI coil
emit radiowaves
transmitter coils
name the type of MRI coil
recieve signal emitted from patient
reciever coils
these have a positive charge, spin around their central axis, and generate an electrical current (have their own magnetic field);
used in MRI
protons
spin-up or spin-down?
a proton that is aligned parallel with the direction of the external magnetic field (B0)
spin-up
spin-up or spin-down?
a proton that is aligned anti-parallel to the direction of the external magnetic field (B0)
spin-down
which proton orientation in a magnetic field requires less energy and is therefore preferred
spin-up
why are hydrogen protons used in MRI?
naturally abundant in tissues & have strong magnetic dipole moment
if the total number of protons and neutrons is even, what is teh magnetic moment?
0
within a stong external magnetic field, protons not only line up, but als orotate eliptically like a spinning top - what is this called
precession
this is the number of times a proton precesses per second
Larmor frequency
what is the Larmor equation
Larmor frequency (MHz) = gyromagnetic ratio x magnetic field strength (T)
the srtonger the magnetic field, the (lower or higher?) the precession frequency
higher
what is the gyromagnetic ratio for hydrogen protons?
42.5 MHz/T
what vector(s) is the longitudinal component of protons
Z (direction of B0)
what vector(s) is the transverse component of protons
x and y
what frequency is the radiofrequency pulse sent in MRI
at the Larmor frequency
what 2 things do protons start doing simultaneously as soon as the RF pulse is switched off?
- longitudinal relaxation (losing energy and returning to spin-up)
- transverse relaxation (dephasing)
this is the time taken for all of the protons that became spindown to become spin-up again
longitudinal relaxation time (T1)
longitudinal relaxation time (T1) is the time taken for the longitudinal magnetization to recover to what percent of its maximum value?
63%
the shorter the T1, the (quicker or slower?) the protons exchange therman energy with the lattice
quicker
do liquids have a long or short longitudinal relaxation time (T1)
long
does fat have a long or short longitudinal relaxation time (T1)
short
this is the time taken for the protons to completely dephase
(MRI)
transverse relaxation time (T2)
transverse relaxation time (T2) is the time taken for the transverse magnetization to decay to what percent of its maximum value
37%
the shorter the transverse relaxation time (T2), the (less or more?) inhomogenous the local magnetic field
more
do pure liquids have a long or short transverse relaxation time (T2)
long
do impure liquids have short or long transverse relaxation time (T2)
short
what is contrast based on in T1W MRI images?
- T1 characteristics of tissue
- short TR (amount of time between successive pulse sequences applied to the same slice)
what body material has the shortest T1 and therefore highest signat on TW1 images (brightest)
fat
what body material has the longest T1 and thus the lowest signal on TW1 MRI images (dark)
CSF/pure fluid
what is contrast based on in T2W MRI images?
- T2 characteristics of tissue
- long TE (time between the delivery of the RF pulse and the receipt of the echo signal)
what body material has high signal intensity on TW2 MRI images (bright)
fluid
what body material has intermediate signal intensity on TW2 MRI images (medium brightness)
fat
what is the maine indication for MRI
neuroimaging
(intracranial and spinal cord diseases)
does MRI involve ionizing radiation
NO
what is the main safety concern of MRI?
metal
name 3 reasons metal is a safety concern with MRI
- can become a missile
- distorts magnetic field (image artifacts)
- induces electric current and heat (potential burns)
what protection must be offered to patients for MRI?
hearing protection
what is the recommended settling period for microchips before MRI
3 months