Radiology intro

What is the most common image taken for chest X-rays?

PA (posterior anterior)

• means beam goes thru patients back to their chest (xray behind pt)

In x rays, what is white and what is black?

• Dense things are white (radiopaque)

• non-dense things are black (radiolucent)

What is artifact in a xray?

Something in image that shouldn’t be there

• (logo from a shirt ends up in the X-ray for example)

What is satisfaction of search error?

Seeing one fracture and then not looking anymore

• potentially causes you to miss more

What is left decubitis xray?

Patient is lying on their side

• helpful for demonstrating air/fluid levels

Contraindications for MRI?

Any pacemakers or metallic foreign bodies

Difference in T1 vs T2 MRI?

T1

• used for anatomy

• Fat is white, water is dark

T2

• water is white (WW2)

• Good for abnormalities

When do you not want to use CT w/ contrast?

If concern is trauma/bleeding

• Contrast will cause it to not show up on image

What is flouroscopy used for?

Real time imaging for moving body structures

• continuous beam of xray

• Used for BARIUM SWALLOW

What is nuclear medicine used for?

Patient is dosed with radioisotope

• technetium and thallium

Gamma ray signals emitted from pt’s body are captured to create image

USED TO EVALUATE PHYSIOLOGY OF ORGAN

Dangers of radiology?

• ionizing radiation exposure

• Allergic reactions to contrast agent

• Pregnancy risk

• Over utilization

What is ALARA?

Use a dose that is:

As Low As Reasonably Achievable

What imaging would you want to get for an acute stroke? What about brain tumor?

• Acute stroke you want CT first, then MRI later for detailed assessment

• Brain tumor you want MRI