Radiology Flashcards
On what scan is the pituitary well seen?
MRI
Where is the pituitary found?
In sella turica
Closely related to sphenoid sinus
Found inferior to optic chiasm and hypothalamus
How is the pituitary connected to the brain?
Pituitary stalk
Where do the carotid arteries lie in relation to the pituitary?
Laterally
What is the thyroid gland well visualised on?
CT
USS
Nuclear medicine
Where is the thyroid in relation to the common carotid arteries and the internal jugular veins?
Medial
When is a thyroid USS used?
Euthyroid patients with goitre/palpable nodules
Hyperthyroud patients with focal masses/radioisotope uptake
What chemicals are used for thyroid scintigraphy?
Iodine-123
OR
Tc 99m:
- Used in Ninewells
- Injected IV -> Patient imaged after 20 minsWhat are scintigraphy images assessed for?
Pattern and quality of tracer uptake
Homogenously increased tracer uptake, >3% of total tracer in gland. What condition is this seen in?
Grave’s disease
Homogenously reduced tracer uptake?
Thyroiditis
Focal uptake right upper pole.
Multi-nodular goitre with dominant nodule
What scans are the adrenal glands readily seen on?
CT
MRI
Where does the right adrenal gland lie?
Posterior to IVC
Where does the left adrenal gland lie?
Lateral to aorta
Lateral to left diaphragmatic crus
How do long bones start developmentally and what happens?
Start as cartilage
Undergo endochondral ossification
Where do cartilaginous bones ossify first and then second?
First -> Within diaphysis
Second -> Within epiphysis
How is bone girth increased?
By cells from the periosteum laying down circumferential new bone on periphery of existing cortex
What condition is characterised by diffusely brittle bones?
Osteoporosis
What conditions are characterised by diffusely soft bones?
Rickets/Osteomalacia
Paget’s Disease
What are some radiographic features of Rickets?
Non-ossification of soft osteoid
Widened growth plates
Irregular, flat metaphyses
What are some radiographic features of Osteomalacia?
Non-ossification of soft osteoid
Poor cortico-medullary differentiation
What are some radiographic features of Paget’s Disease?
Initial lytic phases -> Well defined lucencies
Later slcerotic phase:
- Enlarged bone
- Increased density
- Coarse trabecular patternWhat is seen in lytic bone destruction?
Medullary lucency and loss of trabeculae
Loss of inner cortex (endosteum)
Complete loss of cortex
Loss of both cortices
