Pulmonary Ventilation Techniques Quiz

A nuclear medicine procedure used to evaluate lung function by looking at both ventilation and perfusion. It helps diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE), a serious blood clot in the lungs.

A component of a VQ scan that assesses air movement in the lungs. It involves inhaling a radioactive gas (Xenon 133) and imaging its distribution.

A component of a VQ scan evaluating blood flow to the lungs. It involves injecting a radioactive substance (technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin) into the veins, allowing for visualization of its distribution.

An alternative to the traditional perfusion study using technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin. A radioactive aerosol is inhaled to evaluate blood flow to the lungs. For this, technetium-99m DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) is used.

A type of VQ scan used to determine the likelihood of a pulmonary embolism. It is considered positive if there are significant differences between ventilation and perfusion, indicating a potential blockage in the lungs.

A VQ scan showing significant mismatches between ventilation and perfusion, suggesting a high chance of a blood clot in the lungs.

A VQ scan showing only minor or no mismatches between ventilation and perfusion, suggesting a low chance of a blood clot in the lungs.

A type of lung scan measuring lung function more precisely. It can measure how much gas is exchanged in different areas of the lungs.

The time it takes for the amount of a radioactive substance to halve due to radioactive decay.

The time it takes for the concentration of a substance in the body to reduce by half. This is influenced by factors like metabolism and excretion.

The initial phase of a VQ scan where xenon gas is inhaled to assess lung function.

The process of xenon gas flowing into and filling the lungs.

The state where the xenon gas has reached a steady concentration in the lungs.

The process of xenon gas being exhaled from the lungs.

The ideal outcome of a ventilation study where xenon gas flows in, equilibrates, and flows out evenly in both lungs.

Areas of decreased xenon activity during a ventilation study, indicating potential lung problems.

The shadow-like appearance in the left lung during a ventilation study caused by the heart overlapping the lung tissue.

The second part of a VQ scan that examines how well blood flows through the lungs.

A blockage in the pulmonary arteries, often detected by a VQ scan.

A mismatch between normal airflow and abnormally reduced blood flow in the lungs, indicating a possible PE.

Positioning the patient properly before a VQ scan to ensure the lungs are within the field of view of the camera.

The use of a radioactive isotope to mark the patient's body before a VQ scan.

The process of administering xenon gas to the patient during the ventilation phase of a VQ scan.

A type of nuclear medicine test that uses radioactive gas to assess lung ventilation

The position where the patient lies face up

A container used to store radioactive materials, typically made of lead to shield radiation.

The time it takes for a radioactive substance to decay to half its original amount.

An instrument used to measure radiation levels.

Images taken from the front and back of the patient.

Images taken from the side of the patient.

Images taken at a 45-degree angle from the front and back

A nuclear medicine test that assesses blood flow to the lungs

Air trapped in the lungs due to inadequate ventilation

Excessive swallowing of contaminated saliva during a ventilation scan

The process of removing or masking unwanted areas on an image

Visualizing the trachea and bronchi in a ventilation scan

Areas of decreased activity on a ventilation scan, indicating poor ventilation

A medical procedure used to diagnose pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).

A type of lung scan that uses xenon gas to assess ventilation (how well air moves in and out of the lungs).

A specialized room with exhaust system designed for using xenon gas in lung scans.

A gas used in ventilation lung scans to assess how effectively air moves through the lungs.

A substance that traps xenon gas, preventing contamination in the room.

A device that delivers a controlled amount of xenon gas to the patient during a ventilation scan.

A mask worn by the patient during the xenon ventilation scan to help them breathe the gas.

The process of infusing xenon gas into the patient's lungs, filling them with the gas.

The phase of the scan where xenon gas is allowed to equilibrate or reach a stable level within the lungs.

The process of observing the clearance or removal of xenon gas from the lungs after the wash-in phase.

A potential disadvantage of using xenon gas as it requires a specific room setup and careful handling due to its radioactive nature.

The process of comparing images from different imaging modalities (like chest X-rays or ultrasound) to confirm the results of lung scans.

A condition where someone has a strong fear of enclosed spaces.

A lung ventilation study usually shows normal results in cases of pulmonary embolism but with mismatched areas of activity in perfusion, meaning blood flow.

A specific type of lung ventilation study that uses a radioactive gas to assess lung function.

The process of using a radioactive material to assess blood flow through the lungs.

An obstruction in the airways, such as a collapsed lung or blocked bronchus, will result in a ventilation study showing missing or reduced ventilation distal to the obstruction.

A lung ventilation study may show clumps or areas of high particle content in patients with obstructive lung diseases, such as COPD and emphysema.

Indicates an area of the lung where blood flow is reduced or blocked, sometimes appearing as a triangular shape.

The most important part of a lung scan, revealing potential blood clots.

A lung ventilation study showing an accelerated clearance of aerosols may be a sign of chronic interstitial lung disease, inflammation, or pneumonia.

The radioactive material used in a lung perfusion study, consisting of tiny particles that get trapped in the lung.

The use of lung ventilation and perfusion studies is generally indicated for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, a condition where blood clots form in the lungs.

Lung scans are not as detailed as CT scans, so they are not the primary tool for diagnosing other respiratory conditions.

The use of lung scans has historically been focused on ruling out pulmonary embolism.

Lung perfusion studies can be used to assess the overall blood flow in the lungs in various situations, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and lung cancer evaluation.

Individuals with pulmonary hypertension may be at risk for breathing problems during a lung perfusion study due to the potential obstruction caused by the radioactive particles.

To minimize the risk of airway obstruction during a perfusion study in patients with pulmonary hypertension, a reduced dose of the radioactive material (MAA) is administered.

A lung condition characterized by uneven distribution of air and delayed washout in the lower lobes, especially during expiration. This is often accompanied by matching perfusion defects.

A type of pneumonia presenting with significantly reduced ventilation and slightly decreased perfusion in the affected lung area.

High liver uptake of the radiotracer during lung ventilation imaging, often associated with alcoholics or morbidly obese individuals. This suggests an abnormal liver function.

The radiotracers used in ventilation imaging are designed to primarily target specific organs, like the lungs, but can also be taken up by other organs to varying degrees, depending on the specific isotope and its properties. This is a normal finding and can be observed in organs like the liver, gallbladder, and bowel.

High liver uptake in ventilation imaging, especially when it's not a common finding, can suggest a failing liver due to alcoholism.

When one lung appears poorly ventilated in a ventilation scan, it could indicate a collapsed lung (atelectasis) or a blockage in the airway (bronchial obstruction).

The most common method of ventilation imaging is a ventilation scan with xenon gas, which is inert and readily diffuses into the alveoli. Xenon has a short biological half-life, meaning it clears quickly from the body.

A secondary method of ventilation imaging using an aerosol of technetium 99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTA) to visualize lung ventilation. This technique utilizes a higher energy radiotracer than xenon and has a longer half-life, allowing for repeated imaging.

The process of delivering the DTA aerosol to the patient for ventilation imaging involves using an aerosol nebulizer, similar to an inhaler, where oxygen mixes with the liquid DTA to create a mist that the patient inhales.

The patient should make a tight seal with their lips around the mouthpiece of the aerosol nebulizer during the ventilation procedure to ensure the aerosol enters the lungs efficiently and minimize escape of the mist.

The patient should breathe slowly and deeply, taking exaggerated breaths, to ensure the DTA aerosol reaches all areas of the lungs effectively during the ventilation scan.

The duration of the ventilation scan with the DTA aerosol is usually around 5 minutes.

The oxygen flow rate during the DTA aerosol ventilation scan is typically between 10-12 liters per minute to create a strong airflow and effectively mix the DTA in the nebulizer.

Patients can be positioned upright or lying flat during the DTA aerosol ventilation scan based on their comfort level and lung condition. Many patients find upright positioning easier, especially if they have respiratory issues.

The DTA ventilation scan is usually performed upright if the patient needs to be scanned in that position for other imaging procedures, ensuring consistent results and patient well-being.

The maximum weight that a table can bear.

A position where the patient stands upright during a lung scan.

A wedge-shaped area of reduced blood flow in the lungs, potentially indicating a pulmonary embolism.

A pattern of ventilation matching a perfusion defect, suggesting a possible blockage in the lungs.

A pattern of ventilation not matching a perfusion defect, which can indicate other lung issues like pneumonia or atelectasis.

A classification of pulmonary embolism likelihood based on VQ scan results and chest x-ray.

Indicates a very low likelihood of a pulmonary embolism. VQ scan shows no perfusion defects, and chest x-ray is normal.

Indicating a low probability of a pulmonary embolism. VQ scan may show minor perfusion defects, but chest x-ray is normal.

Indicating a moderate probability of a pulmonary embolism. VQ scan shows significant mismatch between ventilation and perfusion.

Indicating a high likelihood of a pulmonary embolism. VQ scan demonstrates marked mismatches, indicating a significant blockage.

The degree of uncertainty associated with a diagnosis of PE, based on factors like VQ scan results and chest x-ray findings.

The doctor's decision-making process in diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism based on the analysis of various factors.

The role of the technologist in providing valuable information regarding VQ scans, aiding the radiologist in diagnosing.

The ratio of ventilation (airflow) to perfusion (blood flow) in the lungs.

A type of VQ scan where a radioactive gas, like xenon, is inhaled and its movement is tracked.

A type of VQ scan where a radioactive substance is injected into the veins and its movement is tracked.

A VQ scan result that suggests a high likelihood of a pulmonary embolism.

A VQ scan result that suggests a low likelihood of a pulmonary embolism.

A type of lung scan that measures how much gas is exchanged in different areas of the lungs.

The time it takes for the amount of a radioactive substance to decrease by half.

The normal ratio of ventilation to perfusion in the right lung compared to the left lung.

The position in which the patient lies face-up for imaging.

The normal location of ventilation and perfusion in a VQ scan.

The amount and duration of the radioactive substance used in a VQ scan determines how long it takes to collect the necessary images. Using less activity (lower dose) extends the imaging time.

A VQ scan is used to diagnose and evaluate lung disorders, including pneumonia (lung infection) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a chronic lung disease.

The VQ scan requires a chest X-ray to confirm the results and compare the images. This helps doctors rule out other possible reasons for the patient's symptoms.

The patient must take deep breaths and cough before injecting the radiopharmaceutical. This helps clear the airways and improve the distribution of the radioactive material in the lungs.

The ventilation portion of the VQ scan involves inhalation of Xenon gas or a DTPA aerosol. Both visualize how air is being circulated through the lungs.

The perfusion portion of the VQ scan involves injecting a radioactive substance called technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (MRA) into a vein. This shows how blood flows through the lungs.

A straight stick injection is preferred for administering the MRA, as it minimizes the risk of the radiopharmaceutical getting trapped in the tubing.

Injecting MRA through tubing can be done in emergencies if no other access point is available. However, thorough flushing afterward is crucial to ensure the patient receives the full dose.

The patient should be placed in the supine position (lying flat on their back) during the perfusion portion of the VQ scan. This minimizes the risk of MRA concentrating in the lower lobes of the lungs.

Drawing blood into the syringe while administering MRA can create small blood clots, which might hinder the results and even be a health risk for the patient.

Normal VQ scan results show a homogeneous uptake of the radiopharmaceutical in the lungs, with minor attenuation due to structures like bones, breasts, or the heart.

Scanning in an upright position can be an option for large patients as it allows better lung visualization. However, this is not the routine procedure.

The MRA used in the perfusion study is a radioactive substance that releases energy at 140 kilovolts (kV) with a half-life of six hours. This means its radioactivity decreases by half every six hours.

The dose of MRA given to the patient varies depending on their size and weight. Typically, it ranges from 2 to 6 millicuries (mCi).

A series of images taken of the lungs during a ventilation study to assess airflow throughout the lungs.

A series of images taken of the lungs during a perfusion study to evaluate blood flow to the lungs.

Abnormal pattern seen in perfusion lung scans, indicating a possible pulmonary embolism.

The use of radioactive substances in medicine to diagnose and monitor diseases.

A type of VQ scan where the patient breathes in a radioactive aerosol to evaluate blood flow to the lungs.