Radiology Study Notes

Radiology Study Notes

• Types of Radiology: Various imaging techniques exist, including X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, PET, and Nuclear Medicine.
• Roentgen Tube: A vacuum tube that accelerates electrons to produce X-rays.
• Electron Direction in X-ray Tube: Electrons move from cathode to anode.
• Modalities Not Using Ionizing Radiation: Examples include ultrasound and MRI.
• Attenuation: The reduction in the intensity of a beam of radiation as it passes through a material.
• Studying Areas Without Natural Contrast: Special techniques are required.
• Changing Attenuation: Different techniques can be used to change attenuation.
• CT Rays: X-rays are used.
• PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication System, used for digital medical imaging.
• Nuclear Medicine: Medical specialty using radioactive materials.
• Radioactivity: The spontaneous emission of radiation from unstable atomic nuclei.
• Alpha/Beta/Gamma Decay Radiation: Specific types of radiation emitted during radioactive decay.
• Radiopharmaceuticals: Radioactive compounds used in medical imaging.
• Planar Scintigraphy: A method of imaging using a gamma camera.
• SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography): A technique for imaging using gamma rays.
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography): Uses positrons emitted by radiotracers to produce an image.
• Molecular Imaging (NM) vs. Structural Imaging: Molecular imaging focuses on biological processes, while structural imaging focuses on anatomical structures.
• Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images.
• Ionizing Radiation in Ultrasound: Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.
• Acoustical Impedance: A measure of a material's resistance to the transmission of sound waves.
• Ecogencities: Descriptions of the appearance of tissues on ultrasound images: Hyperechoic (bright), Hypoechoic (dark), Isoechoic (similar), Anechoic (non-reflecting).
• Ultrasound Artifacts: These can include things like acoustic shadowing, acoustic enhancement, and mirror image artifact.
• Doppler Shift: Change in frequency of sound waves due to movement of the tissue.
• MRI Equipment Components: Essential components like the magnet, gradient coils, and receiver coils.
• Ionizing Radiation in MRI: MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
• MRI Contraindications: Situations when MRI is not suitable for a patient, for example implanted devices.
• X-ray Number Identification: Specific anatomical structures identified by numbers on the X-rays are labeled.

This quiz covers essential concepts in radiology, including various imaging techniques like X-rays, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. It also explores the operation of Roentgen tubes, attenuation of radiation, and the principles of nuclear medicine. Test your knowledge on these critical topics in medical imaging.