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Questions and Answers
What color do bones appear on x-ray images due to their absorption of radiation?
What color do bones appear on x-ray images due to their absorption of radiation?
How does computed tomography (CT) enhance imaging compared to traditional x-rays?
How does computed tomography (CT) enhance imaging compared to traditional x-rays?
What role does the contrast agent play in angiography?
What role does the contrast agent play in angiography?
What is a common use for chest x-rays?
What is a common use for chest x-rays?
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What is often required before undergoing a CT scan with contrast?
What is often required before undergoing a CT scan with contrast?
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What is the primary purpose of an echocardiogram?
What is the primary purpose of an echocardiogram?
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What does an ejection fraction of 60% indicate?
What does an ejection fraction of 60% indicate?
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What is the normal range for a heart’s ejection fraction?
What is the normal range for a heart’s ejection fraction?
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What is the role of the catheter in cardiac catheterization?
What is the role of the catheter in cardiac catheterization?
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Cardiac catheterization can be utilized instead of which of the following?
Cardiac catheterization can be utilized instead of which of the following?
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What is the primary purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
What is the primary purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
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Which device is specifically designed to record the heart's rhythm over a longer period?
Which device is specifically designed to record the heart's rhythm over a longer period?
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What type of test uses electrodes attached to the scalp to measure brain activity?
What type of test uses electrodes attached to the scalp to measure brain activity?
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What can abnormalities detected in an EEG indicate?
What can abnormalities detected in an EEG indicate?
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What is one of the uses of cardiac catheterization?
What is one of the uses of cardiac catheterization?
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What is a key limitation of routine EEG in diagnosing epilepsy?
What is a key limitation of routine EEG in diagnosing epilepsy?
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Which statement accurately describes epileptiform normal variants?
Which statement accurately describes epileptiform normal variants?
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What characteristic EEG feature is most commonly associated with ADHD?
What characteristic EEG feature is most commonly associated with ADHD?
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What is the typical duration of a routine EEG recording?
What is the typical duration of a routine EEG recording?
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Why is ictal EEG considered more accurate than routine EEG?
Why is ictal EEG considered more accurate than routine EEG?
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Study Notes
Diagnostic Procedures
- Diagnostic procedures are methods and techniques used to identify diseases, disorders, or conditions.
- The rationale behind these procedures is to ensure accurate and reliable diagnosis, leading to effective treatment, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.
- A wide range of healthcare professionals are involved, from radiologists to nuclear medicine specialists, histopathologists to endoscopists.
Ultrasound (US)
- Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of internal organs, tissues, and structures.
- It is also known as ultrasonography or sonography.
- Unlike other imaging tests, it doesn't involve surgery.
- Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive technique used to measure blood flow through blood vessels and identify blood clots.
X-ray
- X-rays use electromagnetic waves to produce images of the inside of the body.
- Different tissues absorb varying amounts of X-ray radiation, creating shades of black and white on the image.
- X-rays are frequently used in fracture diagnosis. They also diagnose pneumonia, and diagnose breast cancer (Mammograms).
Computed Tomography (CT scan)
- A diagnostic imaging technique that combines X-rays and computer technology to create detailed 3-dimensional images.
- The X-ray beam rotates around the body to generate multiple views, enhancing detail.
- A substance called contrast may be used to improve visualization of specific organs or tissues.
- Contrast injections require patients to abstain from eating/drinking specific amounts of time before the procedure, and to disclose any previous adverse reactions to contrast or kidney disease.
Angiography
- A type of X-ray used to visualize blood vessels.
- A contrast agent (dye) is injected into the blood vessels to highlight them.
- Angiography can be used to diagnose issues like blocked vessels. It can also be used in vascular surgeries or repair defects that are surgically. This procedure can also be done noninvasively with CT-angiography and MRI-angiography.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- A non-invasive technique that produces detailed images of internal structures.
- It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves.
- It is well-suited for imaging soft tissues and organs.
- Can be performed with or without contrast.
- MRI scans can be done in "closed" tunnel or "open/wide" formats.
MRI Scan vs. CT Scan
- MRI is typically better at differentiating between soft tissue types. CT scans are typically better suited to view bone structures.
- MRI uses no ionizing radiation, while CT scans use radiation.
- MRI scans usually take a little longer to complete than a CT scan.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
- A specialized MRI technique used to assess blood flow. It's particularly useful for visualizing blood vessel function and for identifying aneurysms and other vascular issues.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
- A fMRI measures the changes in blood flow in the brain.
- It is used to identify areas of the brain that are activated during specific tasks, enabling improved diagnosis and treatment approaches.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
- A nuclear medicine procedure visualizing metabolic activity.
- It visualizes chemical and biochemical changes in tissues or organs. Often used to assist in treatment evaluation for diseases in the brain, heart disease, and cancers . A type of radioactive substance (radiopharmaceutical) is administered that localizes to specific regions of concern, producing higher densities of emission rates.
Echocardiogram (echo)
- An ultrasound test of the heart's structure and function.
- It creates images of heart valves, chambers, and its pumping action.
- Ejection fraction is a measurement of how effectively the heart pumps blood.
Cardiac Catheterization
- A procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions.
- A long, thin tube (catheter) is introduced into blood vessels in the arm, groin, or neck.
- It's advanced to the heart.
- Dye injected to visualize vessel lumens in blood vessels.
- Used to repair heart defects or install stents/balloons.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- A quick test measuring the heart's electrical activity.
- Records electrical signals indicating the heart's rhythm.
- Used to diagnose heart attack and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Holter monitors are portable ECG devices (worn for a period of time) that can detect erratic heart rhythms over a longer, and more comprehensive period of time.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Measures electrical activity in the brain.
- Brain cell activity shows up as wavy lines on recording.
- Electrodes on the scalp capture these signals.
- EEG is helpful in diagnosing certain brain disorders.
Routine EEG
- A routine EEG recording shows brain activity for 20 to 40 minutes. Patients may be asked to perform certain tasks, like opening/closing their eyes, breathing deeply, or exposure to flashing lights to visualize the brain response.
Sleep EEG / Sleep-deprived EEG
- Measuring brain activity during sleep
- Carried out to further investigate sleep disorders
- Sometimes patients are deprived of sleep prior to tests to ensure that sleep is a factor to the brain activity, or to distinguish whether sleep or lack thereof affects the rhythms of the brain's activity
Ambulatory EEG
- An ambulatory EEG measures brain activity for a period of time from a few days to several days. This allows for recordings of brain activity in a natural, more realistic environment.
Video EEG
- EEG used in conjunction with video cameras and monitored hospital environments.
- Useful to evaluate EEG signals alongside visual observation of patient behavior.
- Often used to evaluate seizures.
Endoscopy
- A procedure creating images of hollow organs by insertion of a small video camera at the end of a tube through the hollow organ .
- Types include bronchoscopy (lungs), colonoscopy (colon & rectum), cystoscopy (bladder & urethra), laparoscopy (abdomen & pelvis), laryngoscopy (larynx).
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)/biopsy
- A procedure where a sample of cells are extracted from suspected lumps using a thin needle to help aid in determining the nature of the cells
- If a clear diagnosis isn't found with this method, a more extensive biopsy is recommended.
Biopsy
- An invasive procedure removing a tissue sample for lab analysis.
- Used to detect and diagnose various conditions (cancer, etc).
- This process should aid in more accurately helping the physician determine if the tissue is cancerous and what grade it may be.
Centesis
- A general term for puncturing into a body cavity to extract/remove fluid.
- Procedures including thoracentesis (pleural space), paracentesis (peritoneal cavity), amniocentesis (amniotic fluid), arthrocentesis (joints), pericardiocentesis (pericardial sac), and lumbar puncture (subarachnoid space).
Serum Protein Electrophoresis
- Measures specific proteins in the blood.
- Separates these proteins based on their electrical charges.
- Can detect abnormal substances, like M proteins—a possible indicator of multiple myeloma.
- It tests for other proteins and antibodies.
Electromyography (EMG)
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Examines electrical activity of muscles.
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Useful for identifying muscle and nerve disorders.
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Useful in determining whether a nerve or muscle response seems delayed or if it has abnormal electrical activity
Bone Density Test (Bone densitometry)
- Measures bone mineral density.
- Diagnoses conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis and can predict fractures risks
Myelography (Myelogram)
- Diagnostic imaging technique for spinal problems, using a contrast dye and X-rays or CT scans.
Pulse oximetry
- Non-invasive test.
- Measures oxygen level in the blood.
- Easy, painless procedure involving placing a clip-like device on a body part like the finger.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs)
- Evaluates how well the lungs function.
- Measures lung volumes, airflow rates, and gas exchange.
TB (Tuberculosis) Skin Test
- Identifies Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
- Uses Mantoux test (skin test) or Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA).
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Description
Test your knowledge on various medical imaging techniques, including x-rays, CT scans, and echocardiograms. This quiz covers the principles, purposes, and specifics of how these technologies impact diagnostics. Enhance your understanding of imaging modalities used in healthcare.
