Radiology Flashcards
When are CXRs the best initial radiologic test?
for all forms of pulmonary complaints and physical exam findings
What is the best initial test for aortic dissection?
CXR showing mediastinal widening
When should you get a decubitus x-ray?
when the diagnosis of an infiltrate from pneumonia cannot be distinguished from an effusion
What is the most sensitive test for pleural effusions?
A lateral decubitus x-ray
For what diseases, is abdominal radiograph the best first test?
there are very few; really only ileus and small bowel obstruction
What study should you order for suspected bowel perforation?
an upright CXR because abdominal x-ray does not reliably visualize the top of the diaphragm
What is the best initial test for osteomyelitis? What is the most sensitive?
x-ray is the best initial but will not be positive for 2 weeks, so if it is negative, get an MRI which is more sensitive
When is CT head with or without contrast the best initial test?
- head CT without is the best initial test for severe head trauma and suspected stroke or intracranial bleed
- head CT with is the best initial test for any form of intracranial mass lesion
When is abodminal CT the best initial test? For what two conditions is it the most accurate test?
- best initial when looking at retroperitoneal structures, for intra-abdominal infections, and nephrolithiases
- it is the most accurate for diverticulitis and nephrolithiasis
The most accurate test for cancer is what?
biopsy
The most accurate test for infection is what?
biopsy and culture
What are the indications for MRI?
- demyelinating disease and spinal cord lesions
- lesions of the brainstem, pituitary, or posterior fossa
- facial structures like orbits and sinuses
- osteomyelitis (after x-ray has been done)
When is ultrasound the best test?
- gallbladder disease
- kidney disease apart from nephrolithiasis (CT abdomen)
- gynecologic disease
Endoscopic ultrasound is the most accurate method for examining what structures?
pancreatic lesions, biliary ductal lesions, and gastrinomas
What is a HIDA scan?
a nuclear scan and the only functional test of the biliary system that allows detection of cholecysitis
