Imaging Flashcards
What type of tests are imaging tests?
X-rays (plain radiography, contrast studies e.g. braium enema, IVU, arthrography, CT)USMRINuclear medicine
What is used in tayside to store and view digital imaging?
PACS (picture archiving and communications system)
To be seen on an x-ray, what must the pathology be in comparison to the surrounding?
A different density
How is a double contrast image created?
Barium is first put in to line mucosa and then emptied before squeezing in air - makes soft tissue more visible
What is IVU?
X-ray of the urinary tract after an IV injection of iodine
What is arthrogram?
Series of pictures of a joint after a contrast material e.g. iodine has been injected directly into it
What type of scanner tends to be used more often in a paediatric hospital?Why?
An MRI scannerX-rays are radiation and can therefore lead to cancerous mutations - as children have a high rate of new cell formation they have the highest risk of tumour formation
What material is used to stop x-rays?
Lead
Why are CT scans better than plain x-rays?
They fire x-rays from all round the body and process them on a computer to form a set of cross-sectional pictures with no superimposition - it has superior contrast resolution compared to a radiograph
Why don’t we just use CT for everything? (3)
Gives a large dose of ionising radiationSoft tissues of very similar density cannot be distinguished e.g. pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, etc.CT cannot resolve bone marrow disease
Do US or MRI use ionising radiation?
No
How does US work?
The transducer transmits sound pulses which reflect off objects returning at different times due to distant travelledAn image can then be built up on a computer due to this information Main imaging for chest/ abdo/ pelvis imaging
What is US especially food for imaging?(5)
MSK soft tissue structures (tendons and muscles)Gallstones in the gallbladderTumours of the bladderAbnormal fluid collections e.g. pleural effusion, ascites, abscess, cystsSoft tissue tumours
What are the weaknesses of US?
Bone blocks US (can’t see the brain, spinal canal, inside joint or assess bone marrow)Gas blocks US so windy patients are difficult assess and gas containing structures like the lungs or bowelVery fat patients
What does an MRI scanner use to produce the images?
A strong magnetic field created from electrical current passed through coiled metal wire surrounding the boreUses this to energise the body’s protons
What must patents remove before entering the MRI machine/
Any ferrous metal e.g. dental plates, ear rings, beltsCan surgical ferrous material e.g. pacemakers, heart valves and missile injuries
What must a patient fill in before having an MRI?
A card safety questionnaire