Medical Imaging Flashcards
What is radiology?
A branch of medicine concerned with the use of radiant energy or radioactive material in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
What is the difference between a radiologist and a radiographer?
A radiologist is a doctor who interprets images whereas a radiographer is someone who is trained to take the images
What is interventional radiography?
Medical sub-specialty of radiology utilising minimally-invasive image guided procedures
Give an example of invasive radiology
Angioplasty, insertion of a balloon into a vein or artery to widen it
How does an X-ray create an image?
When the beam passes through the human body, some of the X-rays are absorbed or scattered producing reduction of the beam
What is attenuation?
the reduction of the amplitude of a signal, electric current, or other oscillation
How does different tissues effect attenuation?
The higher density of tissue causes more attenuation so will show up as lighter grey or white on an X-ray
What are the five X-ray densities?
Air-Black Fat-Dark grey Soft tissue- Grey Bone-Light grey Metal-White
Why is it important to take images on multiple planes?
The fracture,break and dislocation may be hidden by one viewpoint
What is used to prevent radiation on certain body parts?
A metal screen, used primarily to stop radiation meeting the ovaries and testes
How would you take an image of a patient’s heart?
Posteriarly to avoid magnification of the heart
What is mammography?
Specific type of X-ray that uses low dosages which is designed for images of the breast
What is fluoroscopy?
Type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor
When is fluoroscopy used?
When there is a need for real-time examination
Give an example of when fluoroscopy is appropriate
Implants during surgery, viewing movements of contrast agents
How does fluoroscopy differ from a regular X-ray?
The image is displayed on a fluorescent screen
What is angiography?
X-ray technique used in the examination of the arteries, veins and organs to diagnose blockages
What is the process of an angiograph?
A thin tube is inserted into an artery or vein, then a contrasting agent is injected to make the blood vessels visible on the X-ray image