Radiology Flashcards
Imaging Modalities used to view the heart? (6)
CXR Angiography Echocardiography CT MRI Nuclear Cardiology
3 advantages of x-rays and 2 disadvantages
Advantages: Easy to do Immediately available Answers available soon Disadvantages: Radiation Non-specific sometimes
Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR)?
The ratio of the maximum diameter of the heart divided by the maximum diameter of the diaphragm
What should the normal CTR be?
Less than or equal to 50%
When is heart size exaggerated on CXRs?
When the AP projection is poorly inspired rotated
Advantages (4) and disadvantages (5) of angiography?
Advantages: Excellent coronary arterial depiction Assess anomalies assess coronary plaques/ stenosis Assess stents/ CABGs
Disadvantages: Radiation Invasive Complications May need admissions Contrast allergy/ nephropathy
Advantages (5) and disadvantages (3) of Echocardiography?
Advantages: Immediately available Functional assessment of the heart Valvular assessment Chamber assessment No radiation
Disadvantages:
Operator dependant
Patient dependant
Incomplete cardiac assessment
Advantages (5) and Disadvantages (4) of Cardiac CT following IV contrast?
Advantages: excellent cardiac anatomy depiction Non-invasive coronary artery assessment Functional assessment Chamber assessment Look at vessels and lungs
Disadvantages:
Radiation dose
Resolution still slightly less than catheter angiography
Potential for contrast allergy/ nephropathy
Need special CT equipment/ expertise
Cardiac MRI advantages (5) and disadvantages (5)
Advantages: No radiation Excellent soft tissue resolution Anatomical assessment Gold standard Functional assessment
Disadvantages: Long imaging times Claustrophobia MRI contraindications Need special MRI equipment / expertise Not very useful for coronary arteries at present
What is nuclear cardiology normally used for?
To determine the impact of coronary artery disease on regional myocardial perfusion
