Radiology Flashcards
Name some imaging modalities available for cardiology diseases?
CXR Angiography ECHO CT MRI Nuclear Cardiology
How big should the heart be in a CXR?
No more than 50%
Any more then = cardiomegaly
When might the heart size be exaggerated on a CXR?
When in the AP
Poorly inspired
Rotated
What are the advantages of angiography?
Excellent coronary arterial depiction
Assess coronary plaques/stenosis
Asses stents/CABG’s
What are the disadvantages of angiography?
Radiation Invasive Complications May need admission Contrast allergy/nephropathy (renal impairment)
What is good about ECHO?
No radiation
Just ultrasound of the heart
Brill valvular and chamber assessment
What isn’t so good about cardiac CT with IV contrast?
Radiation dose
Not as good as catheter angiogram
However its non invasive
Look at chambers, vessels and lungs
Is there radiation with MRI?
NO RADIATION
What is a good imaging technique to look at soft tissue in cardiology?
MRI
What is the difference in CT to MRI?
Unlike CT scans, which use X-rays, MRI scans use powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body structures. Differences between normal and abnormal tissue is often clearer on an MRI image than a CT.
What does nuclear cardiology assess?
Myocardial perfusion
What is good about getting a catheter coronary angiogram?
As, as you are seeing the vessels, if there is a problem you can perform them at the same time if necessary
E.g angioplasty - inflating with balloon
Or fitting a stent
When might Atrial septal defect appear?
In adulthood
What is a good imaging technique to diagnose a PE?
V/Q scan with normal CXR and no pre existing lung disease
