Imaging Flashcards
Requirement for transabdominal ultrasound?
Fully bladder - act as an acoustic window
Advantages of transabdominal ultrasound?
Safe
Readily available
No ionising radiation.
Disadvantages of transabdominal ultrasound?
Difficult to obtain good image if obese or Gaseous distension of bowel
Operator dependent
Requirement for transvaginal ultrasound?
Empty bladder
Advantages of transvaginal ultrasound?
Very good depiction of pelvic organs
Disadvantages of transvaginal ultrasound?
Invasive
Not suitable if Virgin
Sometimes not depict full extent of large pelvic masses
When is CT used?
2nd line after US in acute abdo pain.
Assess post surgical complications.
Staging of gynae malignancy - esp ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Assessing response to treatment in patients after chemo +/- radiotherapy
Advantages of CT?
Quick .
Chest, pelvis, abdo can all be done in 1 scan
Can view different planes.
Disadvantages of CT?
High radiation dose
Doesn’t provide optimal depiction of different pelvic organs
Advantages of MRI?
V good depiction of pelvic organs
No ionising radiation
Gives idea about composition of soft tissue masses
Disadvantages of MRI?
Time consuming.
Poor depiction of lung parenchyma.
Not tolerated of claustrophobic .
Contra indicated - pacemakers, metallic heart valves, nerve stimulators, cochlear implants
When is MRI used?
Cancer staging
Pituitary gland in suspected prolactinoma
Sub fertility
Adnexal and uterine masses
What is HSG used for?
Assessment of uterine patency in infertility
Can also assess outline of uterine cavity
Best imaging for ovarian cancer?
Initial diagnosis by US
CT scanning for radiological staging
Best imaging for Cervical cancer?
MRI
CT to determine mets
