Imaging of Circulatory DIstrubances Flashcards
Be familiar with the use of contrast agents
a
Describe the ideal properties of contrast agents
- Has the same attenuation (loss of intensity through a medium) as the tissue
- Equal distribution in selected body parts
- Expensive
- Inert
- Painless
- Easy to use
Illustrate indications and contrast agents in USS
a
Describe the limitations of CT
a
Describe iodinated contrast
- Cheap
- Has all other ideal properties
Describe the problems with iodinated contrast
- Renal dysfunction
- Disturbance of thyroid metabolism
- Disturbance of blood clotting
- Seizures
- Pulmonary oedema
Describe parenteral (IV) iodinated contrast
- Metallic taste
- Feeling of warmth
- Arterial injection: micturition, discomfort
- Rarely nausea
Describe the contraindication to parenteral iodinated contrast
- Allergy
- Asthma/atopy
- Metformin: type 2 DM treatment
Describe interventional radiology
Treatment using minimally invasive imaging-guided procedures.
- Angiography/plasty
- Embolisation
- Catheter thrombolysis
- Drainage of abscesses
- Nephrostomy
- Vertebroplasty
Describe carbon dioxide contrast
- Negative contrast
- Used in poor renal function or sensitivity to iodine
Describe USS
- No contrast
- Quick
- Non-invasive
- Operator dependent
- May be more physiological
Describe radionuclide imaging
- For perfusion, blood loss
- Sequential imaging
e. g. perfusion in kidney transplants, bleeding into GI, cerebrovascular perfusion (dementia)
Describe CTA
- Gives info about other structures
- Sensitive
- Injection only
- Radiation
- High dose contrast
- Expensive
Describe MRA
- Sensitive
- Specific
- No radiation
- No nephrotoxic contrast
- Expensive
- Needs state of the art machinery
- Expensive contrast
Define consent in radiology
A process in which a patient learn key facts about an investigation/treatment, including potential benefits and risks before deciding whether or not to proceed.
