Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the acronym VQ stand for in nuclear medicine?
What does the acronym VQ stand for in nuclear medicine?
What is the primary purpose of conducting lung scans?
What is the primary purpose of conducting lung scans?
Which statement is true about the performance of lung scans?
Which statement is true about the performance of lung scans?
How does a low probability VQ scan differ from a high probability VQ scan for pulmonary embolism?
How does a low probability VQ scan differ from a high probability VQ scan for pulmonary embolism?
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What technique is used for a quantitative lung scan as part of nuclear medicine?
What technique is used for a quantitative lung scan as part of nuclear medicine?
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During a VQ scan, what specific symptoms might a patient typically exhibit?
During a VQ scan, what specific symptoms might a patient typically exhibit?
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What is one of the steps to be followed when performing a VQ scan?
What is one of the steps to be followed when performing a VQ scan?
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What distinguishes a quantitative lung scan from traditional lung scans?
What distinguishes a quantitative lung scan from traditional lung scans?
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What is the approximate number of small capillaries in the lungs?
What is the approximate number of small capillaries in the lungs?
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What is the typical ratio of right lung uptake to left lung uptake?
What is the typical ratio of right lung uptake to left lung uptake?
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What is a potential complication of injecting micro emboli into the lungs?
What is a potential complication of injecting micro emboli into the lungs?
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What does the VQ consist of?
What does the VQ consist of?
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What might cause the left lung to show less uptake than the right lung?
What might cause the left lung to show less uptake than the right lung?
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Which of the following is NOT typically included in a VQ scan?
Which of the following is NOT typically included in a VQ scan?
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How many regions are commonly compared in lung segment analysis?
How many regions are commonly compared in lung segment analysis?
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When comparing total counts in lung segments, what is measured?
When comparing total counts in lung segments, what is measured?
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What might affect uptake percentages in lung studies?
What might affect uptake percentages in lung studies?
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What study is usually a standalone examination in lung diagnostics?
What study is usually a standalone examination in lung diagnostics?
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What is usually indicated by the presence of a triangular wedge during a lung perfusion study?
What is usually indicated by the presence of a triangular wedge during a lung perfusion study?
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Which lung condition may show clumpy areas due to particle deposition?
Which lung condition may show clumpy areas due to particle deposition?
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In a ventilation study, what does normal ventilation with abnormal perfusion indicate?
In a ventilation study, what does normal ventilation with abnormal perfusion indicate?
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What might be a consequence of using a larger amount of the isotope in patients with pulmonary hypertension?
What might be a consequence of using a larger amount of the isotope in patients with pulmonary hypertension?
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How do obstruction presentations in lung imaging typically manifest?
How do obstruction presentations in lung imaging typically manifest?
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What does accelerated clearance of aerosols in lung imaging suggest?
What does accelerated clearance of aerosols in lung imaging suggest?
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Why is the perfusion portion crucial in lung studies?
Why is the perfusion portion crucial in lung studies?
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Which of the following is a contraindication for lung perfusion studies?
Which of the following is a contraindication for lung perfusion studies?
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What is the significance of the ventilation study in diagnosing conditions like COPD?
What is the significance of the ventilation study in diagnosing conditions like COPD?
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What is the risk of using too many particles in the perfusion study?
What is the risk of using too many particles in the perfusion study?
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What happens to ventilation findings when a patient has a significant perfusion issue?
What happens to ventilation findings when a patient has a significant perfusion issue?
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What can significantly alter the imaging time in a perfusion study?
What can significantly alter the imaging time in a perfusion study?
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For evaluating particulate deposition, which lung disorders are typically observed?
For evaluating particulate deposition, which lung disorders are typically observed?
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What is the biological half-life of xenon as described?
What is the biological half-life of xenon as described?
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Why is patient positioning crucial before administering the ventilation process?
Why is patient positioning crucial before administering the ventilation process?
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What should be the expected appearance of the left lung during a normal ventilation scan?
What should be the expected appearance of the left lung during a normal ventilation scan?
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What is the characteristic gamma energy level for xenon used in lung scans?
What is the characteristic gamma energy level for xenon used in lung scans?
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Which position is ideally preferred for the patient during the scanning process?
Which position is ideally preferred for the patient during the scanning process?
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What is the primary purpose of using a lead shielded container in this procedure?
What is the primary purpose of using a lead shielded container in this procedure?
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What is a common result indicative of an abnormal ventilation scan?
What is a common result indicative of an abnormal ventilation scan?
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How long should radioactive materials typically be stored before disposal?
How long should radioactive materials typically be stored before disposal?
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How long should the mask remain on during the xenon lung scan?
How long should the mask remain on during the xenon lung scan?
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What imaging orientation is not typically performed during ventilation imaging?
What imaging orientation is not typically performed during ventilation imaging?
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In the context of nuclear medicine, what does a physical half-life of 5.3 days imply?
In the context of nuclear medicine, what does a physical half-life of 5.3 days imply?
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What occurs during the 'wash out' phase of the lung scan?
What occurs during the 'wash out' phase of the lung scan?
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What could cause decreased activity in the lungs during imaging?
What could cause decreased activity in the lungs during imaging?
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Why is it preferable to conduct ventilation imaging before perfusion imaging?
Why is it preferable to conduct ventilation imaging before perfusion imaging?
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What ensures effective visualization during a lung scan?
What ensures effective visualization during a lung scan?
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What issue might arise if a patient swallows a lot of contaminated saliva during the procedure?
What issue might arise if a patient swallows a lot of contaminated saliva during the procedure?
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What does a ventilation scan typically show in cases of pulmonary embolism?
What does a ventilation scan typically show in cases of pulmonary embolism?
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What is a common visual artifact found in the imaging process?
What is a common visual artifact found in the imaging process?
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What is one common challenge faced during the xenon administration process?
What is one common challenge faced during the xenon administration process?
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What technological device is utilized to survey radioactive materials before disposal?
What technological device is utilized to survey radioactive materials before disposal?
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What range of activity in the lungs should be expected during a normal xenon scan?
What range of activity in the lungs should be expected during a normal xenon scan?
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What happens if the oxygen flow is inadequate during the ventilation process?
What happens if the oxygen flow is inadequate during the ventilation process?
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What is the role of the isotope marked on the patient during preparation?
What is the role of the isotope marked on the patient during preparation?
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What is considered low gamma energy according to the information provided?
What is considered low gamma energy according to the information provided?
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Which of the following might be visualized in addition to the lungs during imaging?
Which of the following might be visualized in addition to the lungs during imaging?
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What effect do ventilation and perfusion studies typically aim to highlight?
What effect do ventilation and perfusion studies typically aim to highlight?
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What is an acceptable practice in nuclear medicine regarding image presentation?
What is an acceptable practice in nuclear medicine regarding image presentation?
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During the imaging process, what is an important step to minimize unwanted results?
During the imaging process, what is an important step to minimize unwanted results?
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What condition may cause a significant decrease in ventilation and slight decrease in perfusion?
What condition may cause a significant decrease in ventilation and slight decrease in perfusion?
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What indicates fatty liver prevalent in certain individuals?
What indicates fatty liver prevalent in certain individuals?
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What may be indicated if one lung shows poor presentation in imaging?
What may be indicated if one lung shows poor presentation in imaging?
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Which isotopes are commonly designed to target the lungs?
Which isotopes are commonly designed to target the lungs?
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How long is the biological half-life of xenon in ventilation imaging?
How long is the biological half-life of xenon in ventilation imaging?
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What is the typical dose range for aerosol used in lung studies?
What is the typical dose range for aerosol used in lung studies?
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What is a recommended patient position during aerosol ventilation?
What is a recommended patient position during aerosol ventilation?
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What is the significant advantage of using DTA aerosol over xenon for imaging?
What is the significant advantage of using DTA aerosol over xenon for imaging?
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What body part is most commonly targeted by isotopes during lung studies?
What body part is most commonly targeted by isotopes during lung studies?
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What should be avoided during the inhalation procedure of aerosol?
What should be avoided during the inhalation procedure of aerosol?
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How does oxygen contribute to the aerosolization process during imaging?
How does oxygen contribute to the aerosolization process during imaging?
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In patients with certain lung conditions, what is an important logistical consideration?
In patients with certain lung conditions, what is an important logistical consideration?
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What can high liver uptake during lung studies signify?
What can high liver uptake during lung studies signify?
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What is a common weight limit for tables used in lung scans?
What is a common weight limit for tables used in lung scans?
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What might a reverse mismatch in lung scans indicate?
What might a reverse mismatch in lung scans indicate?
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During a lung scan, how does scanning in an upright position affect the process?
During a lung scan, how does scanning in an upright position affect the process?
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What is the primary benefit of administering a lower dose of particles to a patient?
What is the primary benefit of administering a lower dose of particles to a patient?
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What type of lung defect is characterized by wedge-shaped areas in the lungs?
What type of lung defect is characterized by wedge-shaped areas in the lungs?
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In which scenario should a chest X-ray be performed within one hour?
In which scenario should a chest X-ray be performed within one hour?
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What is the most common reason patients visit a nuclear medicine technologist?
What is the most common reason patients visit a nuclear medicine technologist?
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What is the likelihood of pulmonary embolism at the low probability level?
What is the likelihood of pulmonary embolism at the low probability level?
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What is the preferred method of injection for the radiopharmaceutical?
What is the preferred method of injection for the radiopharmaceutical?
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How many large mismatch segmental perfusion defects indicate a high probability of pulmonary embolism?
How many large mismatch segmental perfusion defects indicate a high probability of pulmonary embolism?
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What procedure is commonly performed in conjunction with a lung scan?
What procedure is commonly performed in conjunction with a lung scan?
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What is the consequence of injecting the radiopharmaceutical through tubing?
What is the consequence of injecting the radiopharmaceutical through tubing?
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In what situations might a lung scan still be performed despite advancements in CT technology?
In what situations might a lung scan still be performed despite advancements in CT technology?
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What typically correlates with high probability of pulmonary embolism in lung scans?
What typically correlates with high probability of pulmonary embolism in lung scans?
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What is indicated by a striped sign in lung imaging?
What is indicated by a striped sign in lung imaging?
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What is the typical dose range for TEC Museum 99 M macro aggregated albumin?
What is the typical dose range for TEC Museum 99 M macro aggregated albumin?
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Why is it critical to use a negatively pressurized room when administering xenon gas?
Why is it critical to use a negatively pressurized room when administering xenon gas?
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What is a significant risk associated with the longer half-life of xenon gas?
What is a significant risk associated with the longer half-life of xenon gas?
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What is the role of the physician when interpreting lung scan data?
What is the role of the physician when interpreting lung scan data?
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Why should patients be maintained in a supine position during the perfusion study?
Why should patients be maintained in a supine position during the perfusion study?
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What percentage of the population is affected by subsegment defects?
What percentage of the population is affected by subsegment defects?
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What could happen if blood is drawn into the syringe before injecting the radiopharmaceutical?
What could happen if blood is drawn into the syringe before injecting the radiopharmaceutical?
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Which component helps contain excess xenon during the procedure?
Which component helps contain excess xenon during the procedure?
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What result is considered normal after administering the radiopharmaceutical?
What result is considered normal after administering the radiopharmaceutical?
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What characterizes intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism?
What characterizes intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism?
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What should a patient do during the 'wash in' phase when ventilation with xenon gas is initiated?
What should a patient do during the 'wash in' phase when ventilation with xenon gas is initiated?
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Which lung condition correlates with a negative chest x-ray and matched ventilation defects?
Which lung condition correlates with a negative chest x-ray and matched ventilation defects?
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During which phase is dynamic imaging taken while using xenon gas for lung scans?
During which phase is dynamic imaging taken while using xenon gas for lung scans?
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What should be done if intravenous administration is the only option for injection?
What should be done if intravenous administration is the only option for injection?
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How long does the entire process of the xenon lung scan typically take?
How long does the entire process of the xenon lung scan typically take?
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What might be the impact of a patient's claustrophobia during lung scanning?
What might be the impact of a patient's claustrophobia during lung scanning?
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What is the primary imaging concern if a patient has a pulmonary embolism?
What is the primary imaging concern if a patient has a pulmonary embolism?
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What is a disadvantage of using xenon gas for lung imaging compared to CT scans?
What is a disadvantage of using xenon gas for lung imaging compared to CT scans?
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What defines a normal result in the context of pulmonary embolism assessment?
What defines a normal result in the context of pulmonary embolism assessment?
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How should the patient be positioned following the injection to promote proper blood flow?
How should the patient be positioned following the injection to promote proper blood flow?
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What is the main purpose of ventilation in nuclear medicine lung scans?
What is the main purpose of ventilation in nuclear medicine lung scans?
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What is the primary purpose of asking patients to take deep breaths before injection?
What is the primary purpose of asking patients to take deep breaths before injection?
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Which type of imaging is typically performed in conjunction with the ventilation portion?
Which type of imaging is typically performed in conjunction with the ventilation portion?
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Which patient population may not be suitable for a CT scan for lung imaging?
Which patient population may not be suitable for a CT scan for lung imaging?
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What flow rate is commonly set for delivering xenon gas during lung imaging?
What flow rate is commonly set for delivering xenon gas during lung imaging?
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What imaging method has largely replaced lung scans for diagnosing pulmonary embolism?
What imaging method has largely replaced lung scans for diagnosing pulmonary embolism?
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What is the primary treatment for a patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism?
What is the primary treatment for a patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism?
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Why might a physician be cautious in diagnosing a pulmonary embolism?
Why might a physician be cautious in diagnosing a pulmonary embolism?
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What does a quantitative lung scan primarily evaluate?
What does a quantitative lung scan primarily evaluate?
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In the case of a quantitative lung scan, why is the posterior perfusion view considered most important?
In the case of a quantitative lung scan, why is the posterior perfusion view considered most important?
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What is necessary to make a proper diagnosis using imaging for pulmonary embolism?
What is necessary to make a proper diagnosis using imaging for pulmonary embolism?
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What is the minimum number of particles needed for effective imaging in a quantitative lung scan?
What is the minimum number of particles needed for effective imaging in a quantitative lung scan?
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Which condition makes results from a quantitative lung study indeterminate?
Which condition makes results from a quantitative lung study indeterminate?
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What imaging technique is most commonly used for assessing airflow in the lungs?
What imaging technique is most commonly used for assessing airflow in the lungs?
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Why do patients need to remove items like jewelry during a quantitative lung scan?
Why do patients need to remove items like jewelry during a quantitative lung scan?
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What would indicate a normal ventilation scan?
What would indicate a normal ventilation scan?
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What is the typical post-treatment requirement for patients treated with blood thinners for pulmonary embolism?
What is the typical post-treatment requirement for patients treated with blood thinners for pulmonary embolism?
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What should the positioning of patients be during the injection for a quantitative lung scan?
What should the positioning of patients be during the injection for a quantitative lung scan?
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Which of the following lung scan views are usually included in a complete assessment?
Which of the following lung scan views are usually included in a complete assessment?
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Which imaging result indicates areas of concern for lung perfusion?
Which imaging result indicates areas of concern for lung perfusion?
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Study Notes
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate Xenon 133 gas ventilation from ISM 99m DTA aerosol ventilation techniques.
- Describe the perfusion lung scan process for pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Explain the combined ventilation and perfusion process for VQ scans.
- Differentiate between low and high probability VQ scans for PE.
- Describe the process for a quantitative lung scan.
Ventilation Scan
- VQ scan assesses ventilation and perfusion (blood flow).
- "VQ" originally had quantitative data for perfusion; now separate.
- Primary purpose: rule out PE, often a medical emergency.
- Performed as a stat procedure; sometimes scheduled.
Ventilation Methods
-
Xenon Gas:
- Used in a negatively pressurized room with exhaust to prevent contamination.
- Gas can escape easily.
- Administered via mask; 10-20 millicuries (mCi).
- Room walls and surfaces can be contaminated due to escaping gas.
- Long physical half-life (5.3 days); short biological half-life (30 seconds) impacts contamination risks.
- Charcoal filter traps escaping gas.
- Tight patient seal required to prevent contamination.
- Gas flow is generally 12 liters per minute.
- Patient takes deep breath for initial Xenon uptake.
- Dynamic images during wash-in, equilibrium, and wash-out phases.
- Scan takes approximately 60 seconds.
- Proper patient positioning vital for lung visibility. Markers used on top of shoulders, left and right, and slightly below lungs.
-
DTA Aerosol:
- Higher energy (140 keV) than Xenon.
- Liquid radiopharmaceutical vaporized into an aerosol.
- Administered via tight-seal mask and oxygen flow (10-12 liters/minute).
- Typically lasts 5 minutes, allowing for re-administration if needed.
- Patient can be positioned upright or supine; upright for better view, sometimes useful for larger patients.
Perfusion Scan
- Injects TEC-99m-macroaggregated albumin (MRA; radiopharmaceutical) into vein.
- Straight stick injection preferred to avoid tubing contamination.
- Administered 2-6 millicuries (mCi).
- Patient placed in supine position.
- Requires 75,000-700,000 particles for optimal viewing, avoiding clots when possible.
- Images acquired for each acquisition view (anterior, posterior, lateral, oblique).
- Acquisition views are matched with corresponding ventilation view.
- Important to have patient take deep breaths and cough to distribute the isotope through the lungs.
Quantitative Lung Scan
- Measures lung function.
- Usually a perfusion-only scan.
- Injects MRA radiopharmaceutical.
- Patient in supine position (to prevent gravity effects).
- Regions of interest (ROIs) drawn on images.
- Software quantifies relative blood flow to different lung segments.
- Normal ratio: Approximately 55% right lung, 45% left lung (left lung often slightly lower due to heart overlay).
Results Interpretation (for all scans)
- Normal Results: Uniform blood flow and vent activity throughout lungs.
- Abnormal Results (Ventilation): In cases of pulmonary embolism, ventilation should be normal; perfusion will show abnormalities. (low flow areas)
- Abnormal Results (Perfusion): Triangular-shaped defects (wedges), decreased blood flow. These indicate likely PE.
-
Other Results:
- COPD/Emphysema: patchy uptake, clumping.
- Bacterial pneumonia: ventilation and perfusion decreased.
- Fatty liver (alcoholism, obesity): isotope uptake in liver.
- Collapsed lung: missing or very weak vent activity on one side.
- Bronchial obstruction, less ventilation distal to the obstruction.
Diagnosis Probability
- Low (0-10%), moderate (20-79%) or high (>80% probability): Based on extent/location of perfusion defects in combination with other radiographic evidence (X-ray, etc.).
Importance of Correlation
- Ventilation and perfusion scans must be interpreted together with a chest X-ray. Chest X-ray is extremely important for correlation
Additional Precautions for All Scans
- Maintain tight seals.
- Ensure patient's head and lungs remain in the proper position during scans for ventilation and perfusion.
- Shield radiopharmaceuticals appropriately.
- Follow departmental protocols for isotope disposal.
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Description
This quiz focuses on various ventilation techniques used in pulmonary assessment, including the differences between Xenon 133 gas and ISM 99m DTA aerosol ventilation. It covers the perfusion lung scan process for pulmonary embolism, as well as the combined ventilation and perfusion processes for VQ scans. Enhance your understanding of the complexities of lung scans and their clinical applications.