Radiologic Techniques Pt. 2

Question 1

Soft tissue injuries, especially ligaments and tendons

Answer 1

Indications for MRI (1)

Question 2

Diagnosis of bone tumors, stress fractures, osteomyelitis, and avascular necrosis

Answer 2

Indications for MRI (2)

Question 3

Evaluation of intervertebral disk pathology

Answer 3

Indications for MRI (3)

Question 4

Ferromagnetic metals, orthopedic hardware, pacemakers, claustrophobia, first trimester pregnancy

Answer 4

Contraindications for MRI

Question 5

Based on energy released from hydrogen nuclei following stimulation by radiofrequency signals

Answer 5

How MRIs are made

Question 6

WB stress on tissues, position-dependent instability of spine, and ability to scan pts too large to fit in conventional MRI machine

Answer 6

Advantages of open MRI scanners

Question 7

Longer scanning times, possible image degradation due to longer scanning times, and pt must maintain painful position

Answer 7

Disadvantages of open MRI scanners

Question 8

How are coronal MRIs viewed?

Answer 8

From the front as if pt is facing you

Question 9

How are axial MRIs viewed?

Answer 9

From below

Question 10

How are sagittal MRIs viewed?

Answer 10

From left or right side of the body

Question 11

Selectively images tissues that release energy rapidly (fat)

Answer 11

T1

Question 12

Best for imaging anatomic detail

Answer 12

T1

Question 13

Selectively images tissues that do not release energy rapidly (water)

Answer 13

T2

Question 14

Best for imaging pathology

Answer 14

T2

Question 15

Greater contrast resolution for soft tissue, greater ability to image organs surrounded by bone, no ionizing radiation, multiple sequences, and ability to detect changes in bone marrow associated with injury states

Answer 15

Advantages of MRI over CT

Question 16

Less expensive, greater availability, faster image times, less operator time in selecting imaging parameters, and thinner slices

Answer 16

Advantages of CT over MRI

Question 17

Very sensitive to changes in bone marrow, gives good soft tissue detail, may replace arthroscopy for meniscal tear diagnosis, best modality to diagnose nerve root impingement, and able to stage neoplasms in bone and soft tissue

Answer 17

MRI advantages

Question 18

Poor at imaging cortical bone, long scanning time, high cost, patient discomfort, relative lack of availability

Answer 18

MRI disadvantages