Contrast Media & Introduction to Radiopharmaceuticals

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to contrast media and radiopharmaceuticals as discussed in the lecture notes.

Contrast Media

Substances used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging.

Iodinated Contrast Media

Contrast agents that contain iodine, used in radiography for better visualization of internal structures.

Negative Contrast Agents

Composed of low–atomic number elements, appearing radiolucent on images.

Positive Contrast Agents

Composed of higher–atomic number elements, appearing radiopaque on images.

Viscosity

The thickness or resistance to flow of a fluid, important in the performance of contrast agents.

Photoelectric Effect

A phenomenon where photons are completely absorbed by matter, contributing to image contrast.

Barium Sulfate

A positive contrast agent used primarily for gastrointestinal studies.

Anaphylactoid Reactions

Acute allergic reactions that can occur with the use of contrast media.

Osmolality

The measure of the total number of particles in solution, significant in predicting contrast reactions.

Radiopharmaceuticals

Radioactive materials used in nuclear medicine to assess physiology in the body.

Adverse Reactions

Unwanted, harmful reactions that occur after the administration of contrast agents.

Renal Function Tests

Tests to assess kidney function, critical for patients receiving iodinated contrast media.

Half-Life

The time required for half of a radioactive substance to decay, important in handling radiopharmaceuticals.

HOCM

High osmolality contrast media, typically associated with higher rates of adverse reactions.

LOCM

Low osmolality contrast media, generally safer and less likely to provoke reactions.

Barium Extravasation

Leakage of barium into the peritoneal cavity, which can lead to peritonitis.