Radiology Flashcards
Plain film, CT, and mammography use ____, which travel from a source through an object imaged to a detector
X-rays
The more x-rays that get to the detector, the darker the image is. This is known as
Radiolucent
Higher densities show up bright white. This is known as
Radiopaque
In this orientation, x-rays travel through the anterior to posterior of the patient
AP
In this orientation, x-rays travel through the posterior to anterior of the patient
PA
In this orientation, x-rays travel from one side of the pt to the other side of the pt
Lateral
In this orientation, the pt is lying on his/her back
Supine
In this orientation, the pt is lying on his/her stomach
Prone
In this orientation, the pt is lying on their side
Decubitus
In this orientation, the pt is standing
Upright
In this orientation, the pt is not standing at 0 or 90 degrees but anywhere in between
Oblique
What are the first 3 things you do when you see a film
1-read the name, make sure it is who you think it is
2- make sure it is the correct date
3- look for R and L labels, labeled in regard to the patient
In cross-sectional imaging, a vertical plane from front to back
Sagittal
In cross-sectional imaging, a vertical plane that divides right and left sides
Median Sagittal
In cross-sectional imaging, a horizontal plane, also transverse
Axial
In cross-sectional imaging, a vertical plane from head to foot parallel to shoulders
Coronal
What 3 things determine magnification in radiology?
1-the distance of the source from the pt (closer the source, more magnification)
2-the distance of the pt from the film (further the pt from the film, more magnification)
3-the orientation of the pt (the further an organ is from the detector/film, more magnification–want the area you want imaged closest to the detector)
These permit visualization of structures not normally visible
Contrast agents
These contrast agents are used for GI studies
Barium, Gastrografin
These are considered enteric contrast agents, and are dilute iodinated contrasts, often used if their is risk for perforated viscus or aspiration
Isovue and Omnipaque
This contrast agent is usually given for CT intravenously. The nonionic is safer, but is also more expensive, so the ionic version is more often used. This CAN injure kidneys so it is used with caution or not used at all with diabetics, renal impaired patients, and patients with multiple myeloma
Iodinated contrast
This contrast agent is used in MRI, given via IV, and is not generally harmful to the kidneys but it is still not routinely given to patients with renal impairment due to the fact that it can cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
Gadolinium
This imaging modality is most often thought of when we say “x-ray” and can be used on any part of the body, is relatively cheap, and there is a lot of access to it
Plain film
This imaging modality is real-time and is used for GI studies, angiography, and guidance with procedures-it also typically uses less radiation than a typical exposure
Fluoroscopy
This imaging modality is more expensive, uses more radiation than plain film, but also provides more information and cross-sectional imaging, and it can also be used for guiding procedures
Computed Tomography (CT)
This imaging modality uses no radiation but instead sound waves, it is less expensive than CT, and can be used for guidance in procedures, it is very operator dependent though
Ultrasound
This imaging modality uses magnetic fields instead of radiation, it is loud, expensive, and less available than other modalities. It provides more info than other modalities, but is best for neuro and tissue
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This imaging modality injects a radiotracer and images with a gamma camera, it is often physiologic, and the patient is the source
Nuclear medicine
This imaging modality is frequently used in oncology and uses an injected radiotracer (FDG or rubidium) and is imaged with a scanner, it is often combined with CT
Positron emission tomography (PET)
This imaging modality is used for breast imaging, uses radiation and compression, and is used for screening and diagnostic purposes
Mammography
For a cervical spine plain film series there are usually what 5 images?
AP, lateral, 2 oblique, open mouth odontoid
For a cervical spine CT, images are usually obtained ____ and then reformatted in sagittal and coronal planes
axially
For a cervical spine MRI, what orientations are usually used?
Sagittal and axial-sometimes coronal
What is the rule for prevertebral soft tissues in a lateral c spine?
5 at 2, 22 at 5
For a thoracic spine plain film series, what 3 orientations are typically used?
AP, lateral, Swimmers
For a lumbar spine plain film series, what 3 orientations are typically used?
AP, lateral, and cone down lateral
In the lumbar spine, what orientation is used to see the “scotty dog” to view a spondylolysis?
Oblique
The neck of “scotty dog” is often a location of stress fractures and spondylolysis, this area is called
pars interarticularis
An outgrowth of bone that lacks an ossification center is an
apophysis
the midportion or shaft of a bone, formed from primary ossification centers
diaphysis
the flared part of the diaphysis that extends to the epiphysis
metaphysis
the growth plate of a long bone
epiphyseal plate
from the secondary ossification centers, end of bone
epiphysis
a bone within a tendon
sesamoid
hard fibrous connective tissue membrane investing bone
periosteum
compact outer bone
cortex
inner spongy core that contains bone marrow
medullary cavity
For the upper extremity, what imaging modality is used after trauma (fracture, dislocation), pain, arthritis, tumor, infection
Plain film
For the upper extremity, what imaging modality is better for bony detail, fracture, some masses
CT
For the upper extremity, what imaging modality is for an occult fracture (scaphoid, elbow, hip), infection, mass (esp. soft tissue), ligament or tendon injury
MRI
For the upper extremity, what is used for a work-up of tumor, infection
Nuclear medicine bone scan
What views are used for a shoulder image? 3
AP internally rotated, AP externally rotated, Scapular Y
What view is essentially lateral, and should show the humeral head in the glenoid overlapping on the image
Scapular Y view
In an MRI, the fluid is ____ and the fat is ___. The muscles are ___ and tendons are___
Dark; bright. Gray; black
What are the views of an elbow image? 3
AP, lateral (elbow at 90 degrees), and oblique
What are important to check on the anterior and posterior lateral views of an elbow image?
Fat pads
Radiopaque shows up
whiter
Radioluscent shows up
darker
What are the 3 views of a wrist image?
AP, lateral, oblique
Scaphoid fractures often occult on a plain film, but are considered a fracture clinically because they are located in the ____, which makes them hard to truly visualize
Anatomic snuffbox
What are the 3 views of a hand image?
AP, oblique, and lateral views
In imaging modalities for soft tissue neck, what is limited but often used for epiglottitis and croup?
Plain film
For soft tissue of the neck, what imaging modality is used for thyroid, detection of cystic mass in children, the carotid artery, and the jugular vein
Ultrasound
For soft tissue of the neck, what imaging modality is used (with radioactive iodine) to view thyroid and parathyroid
Nuclear medicine
For soft tissue of the neck, what imaging modality is used in staging head/neck cancers?
PET/CT
What imaging modality injects the salivary gland ducts to check for stones or strictures, but is relatively uncommon?
Sialography
What is used to detect a swallowing abnormality or mass?
Barium swallow
The thyroid gland is usually imaged by what 3 modalities?
US, CT, nuclear medicine
The parathyroid is usually imaged by what modality mainly?
Nuclear medicine
The parotid gland is best imaged by
CT
The airway is best visualized ____, but imaging can be used to see nearby structures, a primary mass, or lymph node
visual examination/endoscopy
The lymph nodes are imaged mainly using
CT
The ____ separates the parotid gland into deep and superficial portions
retromandibular vein
The carotid bifurcation, internal carotid artery are initially imaged using ____, and may be followed up by ____
ultrasound; CTA or MRA
