Radiographic Examinations: Diagnosing Disease and Injury (Chapter 9)

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the lecture notes on radiographic examinations.

Radiography

A primary method of diagnosing disease using x-rays.

What is image contrast?

The difference in optical density between different parts of an image on a radiograph. It is a reflection of the different absorption regions of the part being radiographed.

PATIENT PREP - EXTERNAL PREPARATION

This involves ensuring the patient's skin is clean and free from any foreign materials that could affect the radiograph, such as jewelry or clothing. Two external artifacts that are not as common but do occasionally appear are caused by pillows and by the imprinted designs on shirts and pants

Patient Prep - INTERNAL PREPARATION

Instructions for contrast exams such as NPO or cleansing enema

Contrast media

A substance introduced into the body to increase radiographic contrast in an area.

Positive contrast agents=Barium or iodine compounds

• Substances containing elements of high atomic number

that are more radiopaque to x-rays than are tissue and

bone.

• White appearance on a radiograph

• Fill or outline a hollow organ

Positive contrast agents

Substances like barium or iodine compounds that are radiopaque to x-rays.

Negative contrast agents

Gases that are more radiolucent to x-rays than soft tissues.

Esophagogram

A radiographic examination of the esophagus.

Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI)

An examination to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine.

Barium enema

An x-ray examination of the colon performed with barium or iodine.

Patient preparation

Instructions given to a patient prior to a radiographic examination, such as NPO or using a cleansing enema.

Fluoroscopic examination

Dynamic imaging procedures requiring a radiologist or radiologist assistant.

Double contrast barium enema

An examination using both barium and air for better visualization of the colon.

WHY IS PATIENT HISTORY IMPORTANT?

• Surgical history • Allergies • Type of contrast to give • Contraindications • Additional imaging needed

RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES

• Identified by specific body regions

• Skull and headwork

• Many performed with CT and panoramic tomography

• Skull

• Facial bones

• Nasal bones

• Mandible

• TMJs

• Sinuses

RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES

Thoracic Cavity

• Chest region

• Most commonly radiographed structures

• Evaluates heart, lungs, tumors, fractures

• Chest

• Ribs

• SC Joints

• Sternum

RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES

• Extremities

• Upper extremities

• Lower extremities

• Requires two projections 90° apart

• Joints also require an oblique projection

• Careful manipulation of injuries

• Evaluates fractures, dislocations, arthritis, tumors, and

osteoporosis

• Spine

• Cervical

• Thoracic

• Lumbar

• Sacrum/coccyx

• SI joints

• Scoliosis studies

• Careful manipulation of spinal injury to avoid further injury!

SPECIAL IMAGING PROCEDURES

Agiography and Interventional Procedures

• Arthrogram or joint aspiration

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

• Mammogram

• Myelogram

• Lumbar Puncture