Radiology Pointers

Question 1

A patient can be diagnosed with pneumonia by their signs and symptoms. How many days can pneumonia lag on a CXR?

Answer 1

3 days

Question 2

How long should a patient wait after therapy for a follow up CXR for pneumonia?

Answer 2

1-4 weeks after finishing therapy

Question 3

What do you use to diagnose carotid stenosis and what is considered severe?

Answer 3

Carotid doppler; 80-99% stenosis is severe with/without symptoms and patient should be referred to a surgeon

Question 4

When would you order a pelvic and transvaginal U/S?

Answer 4

Pelvic mass, suspected ectopic pregnancy, early pregnancy <9 weeks, abnormal uterine bleeding (to check uterus and endometrial lining)

Question 5

What is gastrografin?

Answer 5

An oral contrast that does no harm if it enters the peritoneal cavity if the bowel or stomach were perforated

Question 6

When is barium contraindicated?

Answer 6

With suspected acute abdomen

Question 7

When is IV contrast contraindicated?

Answer 7

With renal failure. CT of the abdomen with/without contrast should be with ORAL contrast only

Question 8

MRI’s of the spine are performed without contrast unless patient has a history of…..?

Answer 8

Cancer, spine surgery in last 2 years or infection

Question 9

MRI scans of the extremities and joints are usually performed without contrast. Contrast is only used to rule out….?

Answer 9

Soft tissue mass or osteomyelitis

Question 10

What should be considered first for pediatric patients prior to ordered a CT or MRI?

Answer 10

Ultrasound