Neuroradiology

Question 1

When are plain films useful in neuroradiology?

Answer 1

foreign bodies
non-accidental injuries in infants
characterising bone lesions
spinal trauma
calculi and calcifications
ventricular shunt disconnection

Question 2

CT pros

Answer 2

quick
easy
reliable
routinely available

Question 3

What is CT useful for in neuroradiology?

Answer 3

acute trauma/critically ill patients
ruling out SAH
acute stroke (within 48h)
TIA
supratentorial mass
hydrocephalus - shunt malformation
pre-lumbar puncture in pt with focal neurology
fractures of orbits, temporal bones, skull base

Question 4

Potential reactions of contrast agents

Answer 4

urticaria
bronchospasm
anaphylaxis
nephrotoxicity
seizures

Question 5

MRI indications (neurology)

Answer 5

all neurological diseases
intracranial mass lesion
posterior fossa strokes
congenital disorders
white matter disease
pituitary lesions
inflammatory disorders
meningeal diseases
sensorineural hearing loss
orbital lesions
cranial nerve evaluation
epilepsy
congenital spinal disorders
myelopathy
radiculopathy
post-operative spine

Question 6

MRI contraindications

Answer 6

cardiac pacemakers
MR incompatible vascular clips
electrical stimulator implants or pumps
metallic implants or orbital foreign bodies
severe claustrophobia
caution in pregnancy

Question 7

When is angiography useful in neuroradiology

Answer 7

transfemoral angiography
SAH aneurysm
AVM
evaluation of intracerebral bleeding
preoperative embolisation/intervention

Question 8

Angiography complications

Answer 8

groin haematomas
minor allergic reactions to contrast agents
femoral artery thrombosis
arteriovenous fistula
retroperitoneal haematomas
stroke
death

Question 9

What is myelopgraphy?

Answer 9

checks for problems in spinal canal
invasive
used when contraindications to MR and CT

Question 10

Risks of myelography

Answer 10

bleeding
infection
pain
seizures
contrast reaction
severe headache
can cause CSF leaks
restricted activities for 24h
vigorous rehydration required after

Question 11

When is ultrasound used in neuroradiology?

Answer 11

paediatric brain and spine
intraoperative localisation
carotid artery disease
intraocular lesions
thyroid + parathyroid abnormalities
guided biopsy of neck masses
transcranial doppler

Question 12

What is nuclear medicine?

Answer 12

inject radioactive substances into body and detect gamma emissions with sensitive camera