Unit IV_CT, fluoroscopy and Ultrasound Flashcards
Ultrasound (non-diagnostic and diagnostic) has a frequency of ________ hertz?
>20,000 Hertz (20 KHz) Higher than threshold of human hearing
Diagnostic Ultrasound (done in imaging) utilizes an ultrasound frequency within what range?
3-9 megahertz (3-9 MHz)
Differentiate between: Ultrasonography Sonography Sonogram
basically used interchangeably but… the suffix -ography is the field of study the suffix-gram pertains to the images themselves
Most common image form in diagnostic ultrasound
grey-scale real time ultrasound
What is a transducer?
~the hand held device that converts energy (what makes contact with the patient). Step 1-It converts electrical energy to the ultrasounds that are introduced into the patient. Step 2-It listens for returning echoes. Step 3-converts returning ultrasound echoes into electrical energy for the machine to process.
Does the ultrasound tranducer transmit sound or listen for returning echoes longer?
Listens 9 times longer than it transmits.
What determines the image in ultrasound?
The reflectivity of the tissue. The sharpest images are the generated by a very strong returning echo (the ball bounces straight back off the wall and not deflected to the side)
What is the sound reflectivity of bone? How does it appear on the monitor?
Excellent reflectivity White on monitor
What is the sound reflectivity of fluids? How does it appear on the monitor?
Very poor reflectivity Black on monitor
What is the sound reflectivity of muscle/liver? How does it appear on the monitor?
Intermediate reflectivity Various degrees of grey
What is the sound reflectivity of tissue transition zones? How does it appear on the monitor?
Good reflectivity White on monitor
How is ultrasound different than x-ray
~Reflects energy (sound) rather than penetrate (radiation) ~Lower energy levels ~Non-ionizing
The WHO states that ultrasound is harmless. What is the more cautious approach?
as currently used, diagnostic ultrasound does not appear to harm biologic tissues.
What ultrasound frequency shows better detail, 3 MHz or 5-7 MHz? what is the trade off?
5 MHz can only visualize shallower structures Note: the greater the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.
Do you want low or high ultrasound frequency to show better detail?
Higher frequency (5-7 MHz)
Dow you want low or high ultrasound frequency to get the deeper structures.
Lower frequency (3 MHz)
What is an example of a higher frequency ultrasound transducer?
Vaginal probes
What is an example of a lower frequency ultrasound transducer?
abdominal probe
What is coupling gel?
a water soluble gel used to eliminate the air interface between the transducer and patient skin.
What are the two different tranducer types for pelvic ultrasound examinations?
Abdominal Vaginal
What gestational age is best visualized with a trans-abdominal approach?
> 12 weeks gestation ~morphology & development ~health/viability (Biophysical Profile)
When would trans-abdominal ultrasound be preferred over endovaginal ultrasound when evaluating a pregnancy?
Best for fetus > 12 weeks Best for placenta > 12 weeks Note: endovaginal probes have a very high frequency and can not penetrate the sound to the depths needed in large gravid uterus.
What patient prep is needed for a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound?
full bladder
Why is a full bladder needed for a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound
Creates a window for sound waves by pushing the air filled bowel up and out of the way.
What are the advantages of endovaginal ultrasound over transabdominal pelvic ultrasound?
~Higher frequency provides excellent resolution ~excellent visualization of uterus and EARLY gestations (<12 weeks) ~good resolution of adnexa ~full bladder not required.
Vaginal Ultrasound is best for _______ and ________.
GYN problems Early pregnancy
(trans) Abdominal Ultrasound (for female pelvis) is best for ________.
evaluation of pregnancy in 2nd and 3rd trimester.
What can be seen in the uterine evaluation with U/S?
Size and position Endometrium Myometrial pathology Masses, fluid and foreign bodies
What can be seen in the ovarian evaluation with U/S?
~ovarian sizes and locations ~follicles (fertility treatment, polycystic ovary) ~Detect and analyze ovarian enlargements ~vacularity (r/o torsion)
what is seen in the obstetrical evaluation of an early pregnancy?
Pregnancy location Pregnancy viability multiple gestation
What is seen in the obstetrical evaluation of a mid term pregnancy?
congenital anomalies confirm multiple gestation gender determination
What is seen in the obstetrical evaluation of a late term pregnancy?
~monitor fetal growth ~placenta location ~fetal lie (presentation) ~well being (Biophysical Profile) ~Amniotic fluid volume ~Fetal respiratory movements
What is evaluated in a fetal growth assessment?
~Biparietal diameter ~Femur length ~Abdominal circumference ~others
What is a biophysical profile? what is assessed?
assessment for fetal well-being ~Respiratory movements ~Amniotic fluid volume ~Placenta morphology ~others
What is Doppler ultrasound?
assesses blood flow (organs, fetus, tumors)
Normal grey scale ultrasound is 2-dimensional. What two types of ultrasound does Dr. Dodge term as “fancy”
3-dimensional 4-dimensional
What are advantages to ultrasound imaging over other diagnostic imaging tests?
Non-invasive Less-cost Real time images Portable No radiation exposure
What are disadvantages of ultrasound?
~Can not image through air or bone. ~Sonographer error
a complete abdomen ultrasound evaluated what organs?
Liver Gallbladder Spleen Pancreas (sometimes Kidneys, dependent on department protocol)
What is the patient prep for abdominal ultrasound?
NPO 8 hours (gallbladder)
What is evaluated in a limited abdomen U/S
one of the following structures: Liver Gallbladder Spleen Pancreas Appendix Pylorus
What modality is preferred when evaluating the appendix
CT scan is preferred. a bad appendix can be missed on U/S due to the gas in the bowel.
What ultrasound examination will show renal artery stenosis with questionable accuracy?
Kidneys
what is a common ordering error for ultrasounds noted by the ultrasound lecturer?
R/out. The reason for exam should be specific and never use a “rule out” reason for exam.
What is the prep for a abdomen ultrasound (specifically gallbladder)?
NPO 8 hours
Why is the NPO prep for the abdomen ultrasound (specifically gallbladder) important.
A constricted (due to eating) gallbladder and a constricted (due to disease) gallbladder look the same.
What is the cheapest special modality in imaging (besides routine x-rays)?
ultrasound
What is fluorosopy?
live x-rays (continuous “on” time) visualized on a monitor during examination
what energy does fluoroscopy use to obtain images?
radiation (exactly like diagnostic x-rays)
What is used in an fluoroscopy examination to enhance detail of strutures?
Contrast
What types of contrast are used in imaging?
barium iodinated air
What types of imaging contrast are NEVER used intravenously.
Barium Sulfate Air