Introduction to Imaging Flashcards
What is the importance of imaging? When is it used in medicine?
Used to find cause of problem or to confirm a diagnosis
Used for cancer, strokes, trauma, bleeding, pregnancy, sepsis or to help locate pain
List 6 types of radiology imaging
X-ray
Ultrasound
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic Resonnance Imaging (MRI) scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Interventional Radiography
When is an x-ray used? Drawbacks?
Quick painless test used to provide image of bones.
Some radiation but still relatively low dose, not very clear/ precise image
When is a CT scan used? Benefits vs Drawbacks
Combines series of X-ray images from different angles to create cross-sectional images of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body
More detailed than plain X-rays, high detail,
Takes more time than an X-ray and more expensive, radiation
When is MRI used? Benefits vs drawbacks
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in body
High detail image, uses magnetic waves so no ionising radiation
Takes longer, more expensive, can be claustrophobic
When is Ultrasound used? Benefits vs drawbacks
Uses high-frequency sound waves to produce image of organs and structures in the body. Used for breast lumps, pregnancy, blood flow problems.
Quick to produce image, uses sound waves so no ionising radiation, can create live images
Not very detailed image, can’t see deep structures
What is a PET scan? Benefits vs drawbacks
Uses radioactive drugs (aka tracers) and a scanning machine to show how tissues and organs are functioning. Often used in cancer and can produce bone scans which can show infections.
Detailed image
Takes time to produce image (1.5-2 hours)
What is interventional radiology? When is it used?
A branch of radiology where doctors also perform minimally invasive surgical procedures through small incisions in the body.
Used to stop bleeding, fix aneurysms, kill tumours, fix limbs (by regaining blood flow to limb)
