Overview of Medical Imaging Techniques in Radiology

Radiology is…

Medical specialty that uses techniques to treat + diagnose diseases/disorders in the human body

Imaging Technologies (5)

• x-rays

• ultrasound

• CT

• nuclear medicine

• MRI.

Ultrasound

Uses high-frequency sound waves to image body structures.

Transducer

Device sending and receiving sound waves in ultrasound.

the ultrasound can look at the… (4)

• heart

• blood vessels

• kidney

• soft tissue

Thyroid Gland

Ultrasound checks for abnormalities in thyroid function.

Cancer Diagnosis

Ultrasound can help diagnose certain cancers.

Cardiac Problems

Ultrasound evaluates heart conditions and abnormalities.

X-Rays risks (3)

• caution for pregnant women

• can cause cell damage

• cumulative exposure

contrast media

• used if soft tissue is present

hard mats like bone turn…

• white

CT Scan

X-ray technique producing detailed 3-D images of organs.

CT characteristics (2)

• more sensitive than an X-ray

• makes a 3-D image that makes oragans visible

MRI

• uses powerful magnet radio waves and a computer

how an MRI works

1. big circular magnet surronds the pateint

2. magnet makes a strong magnetic field

3. the protons exposed to the radio waves spin, makes a signal which makes an image

Radiopharmaceuticals

Combination of radionuclides with medications for imaging.

PET Scan

Imaging technique using positron-emitting tracers.

Endoscopy

Procedure allowing internal body examination with a camera.

Endoscope

Thin tube with light and camera for internal viewing.

Flexible Forceps

Tool for tissue sampling during endoscopy.

Cytology Brush

Used for collecting cell samples during endoscopy.

Capsule Endoscopy

Swallowed capsule capturing images in the digestive tract.

MRI vs. CT

MRI better for soft tissues; CT for solid tumors.

Nuclear Medicine

Focuses on cellular function using radioactive substances.

Tumor Imaging

PET scans visualize tumors and metastases effectively.