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)