Common Diagnostic Imaging Techniques in Internal Medicine

Flashcards providing key vocabulary terms and definitions related to common diagnostic imaging techniques used in internal medicine, based on the provided lecture notes.

Ultrasonography (Sonogram, Ultrasound)

A noninvasive imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and organs, without radiation.

Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI)

A type of ultrasound used by physical therapists to observe muscle activity and structures under the skin, not for diagnosis.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound of the heart to evaluate its structures, pumping function, and valves.

Abdominal Sonogram

An ultrasound used to examine soft tissue organs in the abdomen like the liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

Doppler Ultrasonography

An ultrasound technique that measures movement and velocity, often used to assess blood flow in vessels and over heart valves.

Doppler Studies

Imaging studies that focus on vascular diseases, showing blood flow in peripheral vessels and potentially identifying narrowed blood vessels (stenosis).

Endoscopy

An invasive diagnostic technique using a flexible tube with a camera to directly visualize internal body structures like the stomach or colon.

Ionizing Radiation Imaging

Imaging techniques that use radiation beams absorbed or reflected by tissues. Examples include X-rays, CT scans, and nuclear medicine.

Radiographs (Plain Films)

X-ray imaging that uses radiation to visualize bones, quick and inexpensive, but with limited soft tissue detail and radiation exposure.

Radiodensity

How dense a tissue is, affecting how much an X-ray beam is absorbed. Dense tissues (bone) appear white, less dense tissues (air) appear black.

Contrast Radiography

X-ray imaging that uses contrast agents (like barium or iodine) to highlight structures or make them more visible.

Angiography

A contrast X-ray of blood vessels to detect abnormalities like blockages or aneurysms.

Fluoroscopy

An X-ray technique that provides real-time, moving images of internal body structures or contrast material as it moves through.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging technique using X-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, good for bones and some soft tissues.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A non-radiation imaging technique using strong magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, and muscles.

T1-weighted MRI

An MRI sequence where fat and high-protein tissues appear bright, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) appears dark.

T2-weighted MRI

An MRI sequence where water-rich tissues like CSF and fluid appear bright, and fat appears light gray.

FLAIR MRI

A special MRI sequence used to suppress CSF signal, making lesions near CSF more visible.

Contrast-Enhanced Imaging

Imaging techniques using a substance (contrast agent) to improve the visibility of organs, tissues, or blood vessels.

Arthrography

A contrast imaging technique used to visualize joint structures, often with X-ray, MRI, or CT.

Myelography

A contrast imaging technique used to visualize the space around the spinal cord.

Nuclear Medicine Imaging

Imaging using a small amount of radioactive substance (radioisotope) to show organ function, not just structure. Includes SPECT and PET.

Scintigraphy (Bone Scan)

A type of nuclear medicine scan (bone scan) that shows areas of increased bone activity, often called 'hot spots', which can indicate problems like metastases.