Radiographic Image Quality and Faults

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Questions and Answers

What factors are essential to describe a radiographic image?

Only the area imaged

The age of the patient

The type of imaging equipment used

Quality, position, and exposure regarding tissues of interest (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a common imaging fault that should be identified?

Overexposure resulting in loss of contrast

Underexposure leading to insufficient detail

Correct patient positioning (correct)

Incorrect technical settings

What is a significant advantage of digital radiography over film radiography?

Digital techniques require less training

Digital images have lower resolution

Digital images are more expensive to produce

Digital radiography allows for immediate image review (correct)

In a simplified radiographic report, what should be prioritized in the differential diagnosis section?

Prioritised list of potential conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components does a quality radiographic image NOT rely on?

Patient emotional state Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can lead to motion blur in radiographs?

Patient movement Signup and view all the answers

Under which condition should grids be utilized in radiography?

If tissue is over 10cm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates a possible congenital anomaly in radiographic findings?

Decreased number of ossification centers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of fogging in radiographic images?

It results from improper storage of films. Signup and view all the answers

What artifact is commonly associated with workstation faults during image processing?

Incorrect cropping Signup and view all the answers

Which radiographic sign most likely indicates an increase in opacity?

Fluid in a gas-filled structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when an imaging process results in double exposure?

Accuracy of the image Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the purpose of collimation in radiography?

To reduce patient dose and scatter radiation Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of radiopaque artifacts on a patient likely indicate?

Patient contamination or objects present Signup and view all the answers

What could cause increased size in a radiographic finding?

Hypertrophy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using orthogonal views in radiography?

To identify abnormalities in '3D' Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of positioning helps reduce geometric distortion in radiographic images?

Centering Signup and view all the answers

How is collimation beneficial during radiographic procedures?

Reduces scatter and improves image quality Signup and view all the answers

What effect does increasing kilovolt peak (KV) have on exposure properties?

Makes the image darker or overexposed Signup and view all the answers

Which label is essential to include on a radiographic image?

L/R marker Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'magnification' refer to in radiographic positioning?

Increasing the object-film distance Signup and view all the answers

In lateral radiographs, how is the view named?

By the side the patient is lying on Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct viewing position for lateral views in radiography?

Rostral part to viewer's left Signup and view all the answers

What should typically be done to avoid non-pathological variations in imaging?

Adhere to standard views and positioning Signup and view all the answers

What does accurate collimation in radiography facilitate?

Improved scatter and contrast Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interpretation, Image Quality, and Faults

The presentation covers radiographic image interpretation, focusing on quality, positioning, and exposure adequacy.
It also discusses potential imaging faults, how to avoid them, and strategies for identification.
Finally, the presentation compares and contrasts digital and film radiography regarding image faults.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn how to describe a radiographic image in terms of quality, positioning, and appropriate exposure relevant to the area of interest.
Assess potential imaging faults and methods to prevent, identify, and address them.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of digital and film radiography in relation to faults.

Simplified Radiographic Report

A sample format for a radiographic report is provided.
The report includes sections for description (patient name, history, area imaged, and projections), radiographic diagnosis (image description, variations from normal, summary of findings), differential diagnosis (prioritising list, most significant, and incidental findings), and recommendations (further recommendations, imaging, surgery, diagnostics, ongoing management).

How to Remember Comments

Use the mnemonic "Pink Camels Collect Extra Large Apples" to remember the key aspects to consider: Positioning, Centering, Collimation, Exposure, Labelling, and Artefacts.

Area Imaged/Positioning

The area of interest dictates the necessary projections.
Minimizing non-pathological variations is crucial, achieved by adhering to standard views, positioning, and exposure settings.

Radiographic Projections

Radiographic projections are named based on the direction the primary beam penetrates the body part.
Lateral radiographs are named according to the side the animal is positioned on.

Patient Positioning

Principles of radiographic positioning prioritize minimizing geometric distortion and magnification.
Use orthogonal views; positioning the animal correctly.
Essential procedures for radiographic positioning include proper centering.

Geometric Distortion

The beam diverges as it exits the X-ray generator, leading to distortion.

Magnification

Magnification is a result of the ratio between object-focus distance and object-film distance.

Orthogonal Views

Orthogonal views are essential for assessing abnormalities in three dimensions.

Centering

Center the image to the anatomical area of interest using bony landmarks.
Accurate centering allows for close collimation.
Collimator light aligns to accurate centering.

Collimation

Accurate collimation reduces scatter radiation, dose, and enhances image contrast and quality.

Exposure

Exposure errors (too dark/too white) need to be identified and addressed, by altering exposure settings.
The quality of the exposure impacts the appearance of the image; too dark or too light result from inappropriate exposure.
Film and digital exposures use different techniques to avoid problems.
For Film/Screen, adjusting techniques includes "over-exposure" (over-developed), and "under exposure" (under developed).
Digital systems use techniques like "quantum mottle" (under exposure).

Labelling

Radiographs must have clear labeling (name, date, L/R marker).
Markers must be visible and not obscured by the body part.
Dental radiographs commonly use dots for side identification.
Animal name and examination date are essential identifiers.
These labels can be added electronically to digital images

Viewing a Radiograph

Lateral views should have the rostral part of the animal positioned to the viewer's left.
Ventrodorsal/Dorsoventral views should have the rostral part of the animal positioned left of the viewer.
Lateromedial/Mediolateral extremities should have the proximal limb in an upright position.
Cranial/dorsal limbs are observed positioned to the left of the viewer when viewing the image.
Lateral aspects of extremities should face the left side of the viewer.

Image Orientation

Correct image orientation is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Ensure correct anatomical orientation when viewing images.

Quality - Artefacts

Analyze and identify common artefacts in both film/screen and digital radiography.
Radiographic artefacts include errors in labelling (name, date, and laterality marker).
Faults may include poor positioning, collimation errors, motion blur, and artefacts (fogging).
Consider patient-related artefacts (e.g., wet coats, mud, syringes).

Fogging and Scatter Radiation

Scatter causes random blackening, reducing image quality and requiring mitigation.
Appropriate collimation and using grids reduces scatter.
Use grids to prevent scatter; place them between the cassette and the patient.

Film/Screen Faults

Film/screen faults arise from various issues, including inappropriate storage (fogging), and under/over-exposure.
Exposure issues may lead to an under-developed or over-developed film.

Digital Faults

Digital faults can be linked to post-exposure issues (partial erasure, fading, white specks) or workstation faults (incorrect algorithm/cropping, or artefact).

Description of the Image

Image description focuses on characterizing the image for further analysis and interpretation.

Röentgen Signs

A table outlines various röentgen signs (size, shape, number, position, opacity, and margins), their corresponding changes, and possible causes.

Opacity

Opacity refers to how much X-rays are absorbed by the tissue.
Radiolucent (low absorption, appears dark) and radiopaque (high absorption, appears light) are the two types.
Tissues with varying densities absorb X-rays differently, creating distinct images on radiographs.
A chart depicts the various levels of opacity, from air to metal.

Border Effacement

Border effacements are a result of two tissues being in close contact, making margins indistinguishable.
Right middle lobar pneumonia, pleural effusion, and peritoneal effusion are potential causes.

Finishing the Report

Summarize the findings, consider differentials (DAMNITV).
Avoid biases in analysis and ensure thoroughness of examination.
Further diagnostic tests may be advisable.

Let's Have a Go

This section provides examples to practice.
This section has examples for practical application and practice exercises.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the interpretation of radiographic images, emphasizing the quality, positioning, and sufficiency of exposure. It also covers common imaging faults, their prevention, and strategies for identification, as well as a comparison between digital and film radiography. Students will enhance their skills in creating simplified radiographic reports.