Medical Imaging Flashcards
Diagram: Identify the image below
CT image of left actabular fracture
Q: Sensitivity - A negative test means…
You definitely don’t have the condition
Term: Ability of the x-ray beam to pass through substance to reach the film plate
Permeability
Diagram: Radiograph coloring review
Q: What are the ABCs of Radiology?
Alignment, Bone Density, Cartilage, Soft tissue
Term: Atomic nuclei allign in an electromagnetic field
Resonance
Q: How are lateral view named?
For the side closer to the film plate
Content: 3 parts of soft tissue
- Gross size of musculature
- Outline of joint capsules
- Periosteum
T/F: A radiograph is simply a representation of the radiographic densities of anatomical structures
True
Diagram: Identify the problem
Metastic bone lesion (from primary lung cancer)
Q: What is the error rate in radiological interpretation (by radiologists and radiology residents)?
May be as high as 20-40%
Q: High object radiodensity results in _____________ radiography density on the film, thus the object appears ________.
Decreases, whiter
Term: Maximized by positioning patient so structure of interest is closest to film plate
Detail
Q: How does an MRI generate an electromagnetic field?
Uses pulses of radiofrequnecy and a strong external magnet
Term: How long resonating protons remain in phase following a RF pulse
Transverse magnetization (T2)
Defn: Errors of interpretation
The injury is there but the radiologist misses it. Ex. Fracture is there but is not seen
Diagram: Identify the problem
Osteoarthritis of the left hip, with joint collapse
Q: What gives an x-ray image with the most detail and least distortion?
Have the part of interest as close to the film or plate as possible
Q: What produces a radio frequency signal that can be captured and processed into an MRI image?
The release of resonant energy
Term: Clarity of the image
Geometric qualities
Defn: Contrast enhancement
Injection or ingestion of radiocontrast medium prior to radiographic study
T/F: diagnostic imaging and PT guides and informs the PT’s treatment plan.
True
Content: 3 disadvatnages of MRI
- Relatively low specificity
- Expensive
- Contraindicated if pt. has ferrous metal implant or exposure
Q: What are the 4 advantages of conventional radiographs (x-rays)?
- Time and cost efficient
- Non-invasive
- Low risk
- Good for screening
Term: Objects or structures further from the film appear larger than closer points
Magnification
Q: What is the first order diagnostic modality?
Conventional radiographs or x-rays
Q: What color is the exposed film in radiographic images?
Dark
T/F: With interpretation, insignificant findings may prove significant, while significant findings may prove insignificant.
True
Content: The 4 parts of alignment
- Gross bone size
- Number of bones
- Shape and contour of cortical outline
- Joint position and alignment
T/F: In x-rays, one view is no view.
True, in terms of interpretation. X-rays are 2D images, need more than one image to reconstruct into 3D
T/F: Diagnostics are the tools and are the answer.
False: they are a tool, NOT the answer.
Q: What can a PT offer when interpretation is difficult for even the specialist? (3)
- Managing care 2. Directing imaging 3. Relating imaging studies to clinical evaluation
T/F: Diagnostic findings, including imaging, must be used in the context of clinical presentation.
True
Defn: True positive
Test detects something that is really there
Defn: False positive
Test detects something that is not really there
Defn: Specificity
A test’s ability to identify a true negative
Q: What is the least radiodense stubstance in the body?
Air
Diagram: Identify the problem
Biconcave “fish” vertebrae, indicative of osteopenia
Diagram: CT Basics
Diagram: Identify the problem
Osteonecrosis of femoral head, femoral head begins to flatten
Defn: Errors of observation
The image doesn’t look like what you think it is Ex. Fracture doesn’t show up
Term: Reduced strength or density of the x-ray beam as it passes through a medium
Attenuation
Diagram: Identify the problem
Fat pad or “sail” sign: note faint density change at arrows as edema pushes fat pad out of fossa
Defn: False negative
Test detects nothing, but there is something there
Q: Given that HIV blood tests are very sensitive, what can you assume about the presence of the virus from a negative test?
That the test will rarely come up negative is the virus is present - SNOUT
T/F: Ortopedic hardware is ferromagnetic, however surgical clips and pacemakers are safe during an MRI.
False, flip it