radiology Flashcards
Radiopaque
not allowing the passage of xrays (more white)
Radiolucent
allow the passage of xrays (more black)
Describe what xrays are
form of ionizaing radiation/electromagnetic wave energy, generated by an electrical source. relatively low energy
How are xrays describe in relation to radiography?
x-rays are waveform pockets of energy called photons. the amt of energy in a diagnostic xray photon is measured in electron volts (KeV)
How do short wavelengths and energy relate to xrays?
xrays are energy of extremely short wavelength. the shorter the wavelength, the greater the energy and the greater the ability to penetrate various materials
How do xrays produce images?
xrays leave the xray tube thru a small opening that regulates the size of the beam. the beam is directed at the part of the body to be imaged. The film or screen is placed behind the patient
Attenuation
the greater the density of the tissues, the greater the absorption of the xrays
describe plain films
the most common diagnostic xray format, film or digital. no contrast mat’l is used to enhance structures.
What are some examples of plain films?
CXR, KUB, skeletal films, dental films
Rank the densities of material in the body from most dense to least dense.
metal > bone > muscle > blood > liver > lung > fat > air
What factors affect image quality?
motion, thickness of body part, scatter, magnification, distortion
How do determine scatter for best image quality?
want beams to be narrow and specific for area, unless you want larger area, then you have to scatter more
How does magnification affect image quality on xray?
as an object moves toward the source of the xray beam, its shadow becomes larger. CXR taken from back casts larger shadow on heart and lungs making them seem larger than they really are
How does distortion affect image quality of xrays?
if not lined up with the film a whole different view opens
AP chest xray
has the machine in the front and the xray film in the back. this makes the heart look larger
PA chest xray
has the machine in the back and the xray film in the front. this makes the heart look smaller or normal
Describe fluroscopy
moving/real time xrays, images can be recorded and played back or captured as a still picture
What are some examples of fluroscopy?
barium swallow, angiography, draining abscesses, intraoperative feedback
What are CTs used for?
evaluation of soft tissue and bone as compared to plain xrays
What are CT scans?
uses xrays to create 3D pictures of cross-sections of the body
What are the different CT techniques?
bone windows, lung windows, venous phase aquisition, IV contrast, oral contrast
What part of the body can a CT image?
Any part
What kind of angiographies can CTs perform?
pulmonary, cardiac, abdominal, peripheral vessels
Describe the IV contrast used with CT scans?
iodinated, cleared thru the kidneys so unable to use in renal failure
Describe the oral contrast used with CT scans?
barium, H2O soluble iodinated contrast. not cleared thru kidneys. may get constipation.
What is a CI of using oral barium contrast?
someone who might have GI perforation. could lead to peritonitis
Describe what an MRI is?
uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. a large magnet aligns our protons thru the delivery of radiofrequency pulse waves
What are MRIs useful for?
imaging soft tissues (brain, spinal cord, muscles, tendons, ligaments, ect)