Imaging in circulatory disturbances Flashcards
Types of anatomical vascular imaging
Plain films
Contrast angiography
Ultrasound
CT/MRI
Functional types of vascular imaging
Radionuclide imaging
MRI functional imaging
Ultrasound
Problem with natural contrast
Can’t see some important structures well
Advantages of iodinated contrast
Differential x-ray attenuation Inert Stable in selected body compartments Painless Easy to use Cheap
Problems with iodinated contrast
Major reactions Renal dysfunction Disturbance of thyroid metabolism Disturbance of clotting Seizures Pulmonary oedema
Strange things/ disadvantages of parenteral iodinated contrast
Metallic taste
Feeling of warmth
Arterial injections
Rarely nausea
What drug can you not use parenteral iodinated contrast with?
Metformin
In what circumstances might you have a major reaction with a parenteral iodinated contrast?
Previous contrast allergy
Asthma/atopy
Poor renal function
What is catheter angiography
When a vessel is punctured and catheterised in a sterile procedure. Contrast injected using pump injector and a rapid series of images acquired.
What minimally invasive treatments are done in interventional radiology?
Angiography/angioplasty Embolisation Catheter thrombolysis Drainage of abscesses Nephrostomy Vertebroplasty
When would you use angioplasty?
Short stenosis or occlusions
Sessile / concentric plaques
What other type of contrast agent, other than iodine containing?
Carbon dioxide
What kind of contrast agent is carbon dioxide?
A negative contrast agent
Advantages of ultrasound
No radiation dose
Quick
Non invasive
Disadvantages of ultrasound
Operator dependent
What is the imaging called when you look at ventilation and perfusion of lungs
Lung scintigraphy
Benefits of computed tomography angiogram
Gives information about other structures
Sensitive
IV injection only
Disadvantages of computed tomography angiogram
Radiation dose
High contrast dose
Expensive
Advantages of magnetic resonance angiography
Sensitive
Specific
No radiation
No nephrotoxic contrast
Disadvantages of magnetic resonance angiography
Very expensive
State of the art machinery
High contrast cost
What is consent
A process in which a patient learns key facts about an investigation/treatment, including potential risks and benefits, before deciding whether or not to proceed
