L18- Introduction to medical imaging Flashcards
two broad typical of medical imaging
plain filming imaging
cross sectional imaging
plain film imaging
X-ray
Fluoroscopy
cross sectional imaging
CT
MRI
x-rays are part of the
electromagnetic spectrum
X-ray is higher frequency than….. but lower than …..
UV
Gamma
how does an X-ray work
- X-ray soruce focuses a beam of high energy electrons that pass through the body onto an X-ray receiver
- Some X-rays are absorbed
- Some x-rays are scattered (attentuation)
attenuation is dependent on
the density and atomic number of tissue constituents e.g. metals like calcium in the bone
the more dense (e.g. bone)
the more attenuation (scattering) and lighter the appearance
in X-rays there are .. principle densities
5
name 5 principle densitities
air
fat
soft tissue
bone metal

X-rays used to be visualised manually on film, however now they can be visualised on
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACs)
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACs) advantages
Zoom
Alter density
Measure distances
Measurement of angles
fluoroscopy is a method used in
X-ray
fluorscopy can be used to
Examination of anatomy and motion
- Uses constant stream of x-rays
- Enhanced by contrast
Contrast media
Where contrast agents is used to better differentiate tissue during medical imaging.
Contrast media:
a substance used to increase the contrast of structures or fluid within the body in medical imaging. Contrast agents absorb or alter external electromagnetism or ultrasounds.
Different types based on modality of examination
(Different radiopharmaceuticals, which emit radiation themselves).
Examination techniques which use contrast media
Fluoroscopy
CT
MRI
Arteriograms (e.g. cardiogram with dyes)
Ultrasound
Two categories of contrast agentP
Positive agents- appears white (high atomic number)
- Barium
- Sulphate
- Iodine
Negative agents- appears black (gases of low density)
- Air
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxides
Agents can be combined to produce a double-contrast
Ideal Phase Contrast Agents
- Low osmolality and viscosity
- High water solubility
- Biologically inert
- Safe
- Heat and chemical satiability
- Cost-effective
Administration
- Oral
- Rectal
- IV
- IA
- Filling a space or cavity (cavity, bladder, intrathecal space, gall bladder etc)
phase contrast can be used to
detect blockages or tears e.g. in the bowel (e.g. perforation of bowel)
Excretion of phase contrast
- Glomerular filtration (95%)
- Important kidneys are working
- Tubular excretion and protein being negligible
- Half life: 30-60 minutes










