Radiology Flashcards
What are the different imaging modalities
Xray Computed Tomography Magnetic Resonance Ultrasound Nuclear Medicine
Five Basic radiographic densities for Xray and the color
Air (Darkest) Fat (Less Dark) Fluid/ Blood/ Soft Tissue (Gray) Bone (White) Metal/Contrast (Most White)
How are X ray used?
A single pulse of Ionizing Radiation
Radiation is low dose but some have more radiation than others
What is X ray good and bad for?
Good: Bones and Airspaces
Bad: Soft tissue and Overlapping structures
How does X ray represent an object
Two dimensional representation of a three dimensional object
What is a X Ray AP abbreviation and who is it used for
Anteroposterior (Front to back)
Non-Ambulatory Patients. Unable to stand or sit
Lower Quality
Back is placed next to the film
What is the X ray LAT Abbreviation and what is it used for?
Lateral View (Side View)
Usually taken in conjunction with a PA view
Allows viewing of structures behind the heart (mediastinum) and provides three dimensional image
What is X ray OBL abbreviation and when is it used for?
Oblique
At an angle used mostly on limbs
What does X ray PA abbreviation stand for and when is it used?
Posteroanterior (Back to front) used in Chest X rays
Objects that is closer to the film has sharper borders
Chest next to the film thereby placing most of the important structures closer to the film (Heart and great vessels)
Heart size is minimally magnified and borders are sharp
How does Computed Tomography capture their picture
Emits Radiation
Shows in black, white and gray depending on density
Uses: Multiple pulses (shots) of ionizing radiation
For CT, how strong is the radiation dose
Radiation is high doses
Gold Standard for evaluating sever trauma and mainly intra abdominal disease
Computed Tomography (CT)
What is CT good for
Bone, airspaces, some soft tissue and overlapping structures (especially in trauma and abdomen)
What are CT bad for
Some soft tissues (nerves, muscle, connective tissue), patients with retained metallic objects (artifacts)
What are the CT Views
Sagittal/Median (Sides/Left to right)
Coronal (Front to back)
Axial or Transverse or Cross-sectional (Top to bottom)
Uses of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Use Electromagnetism and radio frequency properties
No exposure to ionizing radiation but time consuming
MRI are good for?
Soft Tissue (nerves, muscles, connective tissue, brain, joints)
MRI are bad for
People who cannot hold still or have ferrous metal in the body
MR views are identical to what
Computed Tomography