Radiology Flashcards
Imaging Modalities used to view the heart? (6)
CXRAngiographyEchocardiographyCTMRINuclear Cardiology
3 advantages of x-rays and 2 disadvantages
Advantages: Easy to doImmediately availableAnswers available soonDisadvantages:RadiationNon-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 anomaliesassess coronary plaques/ stenosis Assess stents/ CABGsDisadvantages:Radiation InvasiveComplicationsMay need admissionsContrast allergy/ nephropathy
Advantages (5) and disadvantages (3) of Echocardiography?
Advantages:Immediately availableFunctional assessment of the heartValvular assessmentChamber assessmentNo radiationDisadvantages:Operator dependantPatient dependant Incomplete cardiac assessment
Advantages (5) and Disadvantages (4) of Cardiac CT following IV contrast?
Advantages:excellent cardiac anatomy depictionNon-invasive coronary artery assessmentFunctional assessment Chamber assessmentLook at vessels and lungsDisadvantages:Radiation doseResolution still slightly less than catheter angiographyPotential for contrast allergy/ nephropathyNeed special CT equipment/ expertise
Cardiac MRI advantages (5) and disadvantages (5)
Advantages:No radiationExcellent soft tissue resolutionAnatomical assessmentGold standardFunctional assessmentDisadvantages:Long imaging timesClaustrophobiaMRI contraindicationsNeed special MRI equipment / expertiseNot 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
