Radiology

Question 1

Plain Film

Answer 1

X-ray, KUB

I.e. CXR, spine, skeletal, abdomen

ionizing radiation

first line (available, low cost, quick)

Get multiple views

Question 2

Ultrasound

Answer 2

High frequency sound waves

Location and intensity

NOT ion-rad

****Pregnancy, gallbladder, uterus, ovaries, abdominal pain, children/adults, DVT

Question 3

Computed tomography

Answer 3

ION-RAD (major cause)

Scan from many angles - data –> pic

QUICK

brain (acute hemorrhange), mass effect, herniation (not seizure, MS, non-hem)

Chest/ab: best (not gallbladder, young women)

CONTRAST - nephrotoxic iodine

Question 4

MRI

Answer 4

NOT ion-rad

magnetic poles - sense proton flips

SAFE, no metal, costly

takes longer, no movement

IBS, chest, ab/pelvis, brain, liver

Contrast: fibrosis, gadolinium

Question 5

Questions to ask before test - reduce radiation

Answer 5

Is test necessary? Will it change mnt of pt? another study might work?

Question 6

Most dangerous time in pregnancy for radiation

Answer 6

First trimester (organ formation)

After first 2 weeks, not as risky

Question 7

Xrays _______ by metal/bone, ______ by air/fat (terminology)

Answer 7

Absorbed by metal/bone = radiopaque

Passes through air/fat = radiolucent

Question 8

CT contrast

Answer 8

iodine based

Allergic rxn

Contrast-induced nephropathy - transient decline in renal function w/in 24 hrs, screen renal function

Question 9

MRI contrast

Answer 9

Gadolinium

Rxns rare, mild, self-limited

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis - skin/subQ, renal issues cause, screen GFR (<30 no)

Question 10

Functional imaging

Answer 10

Nuclear medicine, PET scans (often combine w/ CT)