Medical Imaging Principles and Patient Care Flashcards

Flashcards of key vocabulary and concepts from the provided lecture notes on Medical Imaging Principles and Patient Care.

Double Contrast Study

Used to visualize the inner lining of hollow organs more clearly by coating the walls with barium and distending the lumen with air.

Active Listening

Paying close attention to verbal and non-verbal cues from the patient, avoiding selective hearing, to understand the patient's specific needs and adapt care appropriately.

Salter-Harris Type II Fracture

The most common type of epiphyseal plate fracture, involving a fracture through the growth plate and extending into the metaphysis; requires careful management to prevent growth disturbances.

Patient Positioning Influence on Cardiac-Thoracic Ratio

An AP projection in mobile radiography results in magnification of the heart, leading to an increased cardiac-thoracic ratio (CTR) compared to PA views.

Operative Cholangiogram (Op Chole)

A fluoroscopic study performed during surgery to visualize the common bile duct, biliary tree, and gallbladder, typically to check for stones or anatomical variations.

Angioplasty

A procedure to dilate a stenotic or occluded vessel, most commonly due to atherosclerosis, using a balloon-tipped catheter to improve blood flow.

Antegrade vs. Retrograde Pyelogram

Involves injecting contrast in the natural direction of urine flow, while retrograde involves injecting contrast against the natural flow.

MRI Safe vs. MRI Conditional

MRI Safe equipment poses no known hazards in all MRI environments, while MRI Conditional equipment can be used safely only under specified conditions.

Upper Alimentary Canal & Dysphagia

The tongue, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum; dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing.

Lead Top and Skirt Combination

Recommended for comfort and weight distribution during long procedures, balancing the weight on the hips rather than the shoulders.

Active Listening

A communication technique where the listener fully concentrates on, understands, responds to, and remembers what is being said, both verbally and non-verbally; essential for cultural competence.

Acute Marginal Branches (AM)

Branches of the Right Coronary Artery (RCA).

Adenomyosis

A condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium). (Gynaecology ultrasound indication)

Ampulla of Vater (Ampulla Vater)

A small opening in the duodenum where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty; accessed during ERCP.

Aneurysm

A bulge or ballooning in the wall of an artery, indicating a weakness in the vessel wall; can occur anywhere in the circulatory system.

Angioplasty

An interventional procedure to dilate a stenotic or occluded blood vessel, often using a balloon-tipped catheter; can also be used in biliary, venous, ureter, and GI systems.

Antegrade Pyelogram

A fluoroscopic study of the urinary system where contrast is injected in the direction of urine flow, typically directly into the renal pelvis.

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

An abnormal tangle of blood vessels causing problems with connections between arteries and veins, usually congenital.

Artefacts (Imaging)

Unwanted structures or patterns on an image that do not correspond to actual anatomical features; can be caused by foreign objects, patient movement, or equipment issues.

Atherosclerosis

A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries, narrowing them and hardening them.

Barium Enema

A fluoroscopic study of the large intestine, often involving a double contrast technique (barium and air) to visualize polyps and diverticular disease.

Barium Meal

A fluoroscopic study focusing on the stomach and duodenum, following a barium swallow.

Barium Swallow

A fluoroscopic study focusing on the pharynx and oesophagus to assess swallowing function and anatomy.

Biopsy

The removal of a tissue sample for pathological examination, often guided by imaging modalities like ultrasound or CT.

Cardiac Catheterization

A procedure to examine the coronary vessels, typically performed in a Cath Lab, for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Cardiac-Thoracic Ratio (CTR)

The ratio of the maximum horizontal diameter of the heart to the maximum internal horizontal diameter of the chest; used to assess heart size on chest X-rays.

Cannula

A thin tube inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to administer or remove fluid.

Cath Lab (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory)

A specialized examination room in a hospital where cardiac catheterization procedures are performed.

Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

A catheter placed into a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin, with the tip ideally located in the superior vena cava.

Cholangiogram

A fluoroscopic study to visualize the liver and gallbladder, often through the biliary tree; Examples include ERCP and T-tube cholangiogram.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder. (Cholangiogram indication)

Cholelithiasis

The presence of gallstones. (Cholangiogram indication)

Claustrophobia

An extreme or irrational fear of confined places; a common reason for patient anxiety during MRI scans.

Collimation

The restriction of the X-ray beam to the area of interest, reducing patient dose and scatter.

Consent to Touch

Obtaining explicit permission from a patient before any physical contact, crucial for patient comfort and cultural sensitivity, especially in sensitive examinations or with patients of the opposite gender.

Contrast Media

Substances introduced into the body to enhance the visibility of tissues or organs on medical images; examples include barium, gastrografin, and iodinated contrast.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Narrowing or occlusion of the coronary arteries, often requiring interventions like angioplasty or stenting.

CR (Computed Radiography)

A digital imaging technique that uses a photostimulable phosphor plate to capture X-ray images, which are then read by a scanner.

CT Scanner

A medical imaging device that uses X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body.

Cultural Competence

The ability to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own.

Decubitus Projections

Radiographic views taken with the patient lying on their side (e.g., lateral decubitus abdomen) to visualize fluid levels or air-fluid interfaces.

Defaecogram/Proctogram

A fluoroscopic study to assess defecation, involving contrast placed in the rectal area and imaging the patient during simulated defecation.

Diverticular Disease

A condition characterized by the presence of small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract.

Doppler Ultrasound

A type of ultrasound that measures blood flow, used to identify blood clots or blockages.

DR (Digital Radiography)

A direct digital imaging technique that uses a flat-panel detector to capture X-ray images instantly.

DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography)

A fluoroscopic technique used to visualize blood vessels by subtracting a pre-contrast image from post-contrast images, effectively removing bone and soft tissue.

Ductogram

Imaging of the ducts, typically breast ducts, by injecting contrast through the nipple.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing; a common indication for barium swallows.

ECG Leads

Electrocardiogram leads; electrodes placed on the body to record the electrical activity of the heart. (Iatrogenic device)

Embolisation

A procedure to block or occlude a blood vessel, often to stop haemorrhaging or cut off blood supply to a tumor or aneurysm.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

A procedure combining endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

A minimally invasive procedure to repair an aortic aneurysm using a stent graft.

Endotracheal Tube (ETT)

A tube inserted through the mouth into the trachea to assist with breathing in intubated patients.

Epigastric Pain

Pain in the upper abdomen, often an indication for upper alimentary canal studies.

Fistulogram

A fluoroscopic study to visualize a fistula, which is an abnormal connection between two body parts or an internal organ and the skin surface.

Fluoroscopy

A dynamic imaging technique that provides real-time X-ray images, used for guiding procedures and visualizing organ function.

Gastrografin

A water-soluble, iodinated contrast medium used when barium is contraindicated, particularly in cases of suspected bowel perforation, as it is safe if it leaks into the peritoneal space.

Grid (Radiography)

A device placed between the patient and the image receptor to absorb scattered X-rays, improving image contrast and quality.

Haematuria

Blood in the urine. (Urinary system indication)

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

A fluoroscopic study of the female reproductive system (uterus and fallopian tubes) to assess patency and diagnose infertility. Both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Iatrogenic Device

A medical device or intervention introduced into the body during medical treatment, which may be visible on imaging (e.g., catheters, tubes, pacemakers).

Image Intensifier (II)

A device used in fluoroscopy to convert X-ray images into a brighter, visible light image for real-time viewing.

Informed Consent

The process by which a patient, after understanding the nature and risks of a procedure, gives voluntary permission for it to be performed.

Intercostal Catheter (ICC)

Also known as a chest drain; a tube inserted into the pleural space to drain air or fluid (e.g., for pneumothorax or pleural effusion).

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)/Intravenous Urogram (IVU)

A fluoroscopic or CT study of the urinary system after intravenous injection of contrast, to visualize kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Jigsaw Views

Specialized radiographic views used to combine multiple images to create a larger, composite view of an anatomical area. (Adaptive technique)

Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD)

A major coronary artery, a branch of the left coronary artery.

Left Circumflex Artery (LCX)

A major coronary artery, a branch of the left coronary artery.

Localisation of Lesions (Breast)

A procedure to precisely pinpoint a lesion in breast tissue, often using stereotactic mammography or ultrasound guidance to place a hookwire prior to surgery.

Lobar Pathology (Lung)

Disease or abnormality specifically affecting one or more lobes of the lung, identified by changes in normal silhouette signs on chest X-rays.

Long Leg (AP)

A weight-bearing radiographic view of the entire lower extremity, from hip to ankle, to assess alignment.

Lumbar Puncture (LP)

A procedure to extract cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space in the lumbar spine, often for diagnostic purposes.

Magnification Views

Radiographic techniques used to enlarge the image of a small area of interest, often used in specialized views.

MAS (Milliampere-seconds)

A technical factor in radiography that controls the quantity of X-rays produced, influencing image density.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity between the two pleural sacs containing the lungs; contains the heart, great vessels, trachea, and esophagus.

Micturating Cystourethrogram (MCU)

A fluoroscopic study, often performed on children, to visualize the bladder and urethra during urination, checking for reflux or strictures.

Mobile Radiography

Performing X-ray examinations using portable X-ray equipment, often at the patient's bedside in a hospital ward.

MRI Conditional

An MRI safety label indicating that a device or implant is safe for the MR environment only under specific conditions (e.g., specific scanner strength, defined operating parameters).

MRI Safe

An MRI safety label indicating that a device or implant poses no known hazards in all MRI environments.

MRI Unsafe

An MRI safety label indicating that a device or implant poses known hazards in all MRI environments and must not enter the MR scanning room.

Nasogastric Tube (NGT)

A tube inserted through the nose, down the oesophagus, and into the stomach, typically for feeding or gastric decompression.

Nasojujunal Tube (NJT)

A tube inserted through the nose, extending past the stomach into the jejunum, for feeding or medication delivery.

Neoplasm

An abnormal growth of tissue; a tumor. (Sialogram indication)

Nuclear Medicine

A medical specialty that uses radioactive tracers to assess organ function and to diagnose and treat disease.

Occlusion

The blockage or closing of a blood vessel or hollow organ.

Painful Micturition

Pain during urination. (Urinary system indication)

Pathology

The scientific study of disease, or the disease itself.

Percutaneously Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

A type of CVC inserted peripherally (usually in the arm) with the tip terminating in the superior vena cava.

Pericardial Effusion

An accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity surrounding the heart.

Perforation

A hole or rupture in an organ or membrane (e.g., bowel perforation).

Pigtail Catheter

A type of catheter with a coiled tip containing multiple holes, often used for draining fluid from abscesses or collections.

Polyps (GI)

Small, non-cancerous growths on the inner lining of the colon or other organs.

Portacath

An implanted venous access device, often used for long-term administration of medications or fluids; different from CVC or PICC as it is fully implanted beneath the skin.

Post-processing (Digital Imaging)

Digital manipulation of image data after initial acquisition to enhance image quality, adjust contrast, or remove artifacts.

Posterior Descending Artery (PDA)

A branch of either the Right Coronary Artery (RCA) or the Left Circumflex Artery (LCX), supplying the posterior aspect of the heart.

Proteinuria

The presence of abnormal quantities of protein in the urine. (Urinary system indication)

Pseudoaneurysm

Also known as a false aneurysm; a hematoma (collection of blood) that forms outside an artery following an injury, not involving all layers of the vessel wall.

Radiofrequency (RF) Pulses

In MRI, bursts of radio waves that temporarily disrupt the alignment of hydrogen protons, causing them to emit signals; different pulse sequences create different tissue contrasts.

Recurrent UTIs

Repeated urinary tract infections. (Urinary system indication)

Reflux (GI)

The backward flow of stomach contents into the oesophagus (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux).