Radiology Flashcards
What are X-Rays?
A form of high energy radiation that can penetrate tissue
Outlines radiodensity in imaging, readily showing bones (2D) with limited soft tissue contrast
ionizing radiation
Good visualization of bones and dense tissues
Quick imagine technique, provides immediate results
What is radiodensity?
The amount of resistance to X-ray penetration (from low to high; fat, liver, blood, muscle, bone)
Barium is very radiodense and is used to highlight upper digestive tract in X-ray (ex. consumed to highlight issues in the stomach)
What is a CT scan?
A single X-ray source rotates around the body creating a 3-D image. It is more highlighted than X-ray scans, and consequently uses higher energy radiation, 360)
ionizing radiation
Combines X-ray and computer processing
Generates cross-sectional images
Detailed visualization of bones, organs, soft tissues
What is an MRI scan?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses magnets 300x stronger than that of the Earth, forcing all particles in the atoms of your body to line up.
Pulses of radiowaves are absorbed and released by the body differently by the atoms of body tissues and the released energy is used to create an image that is clearer of SOFT TISSUE than a CT scan.
no radiation, powerful magnetic field and radio waves
generates cross-sectional images
excellent soft tissue contrast in superficial and deep tissues
What is a PET scan?
Positron Emission Tomography scans use radioactive glucose or oxygen to view blood flow or energy use
Scan imaging is colourful, red indicating activity. No radioactivity
Visualizes metabolic activity and and blood flow, highlighting areas of increased activity
injection of a radioactive tracer
Ionizing radiation
Produces real-time images
What is an ultrasound?
An echogram is created using a transmitter that emits high frequency sound and detects echoes
Safe, low radioactivity with high frequency sound waves.
Image quality is heavily operator dependent
Produces real-time images, quick imaging technique, providing immediate results
What is a CT Angiogram?
Radiodense dye highlights blood vessels
What is an MRI Angiogram?
A type of MRI that examines blood vessels
