Diagnostic Imaging PDF

Diagnostic Imaging Understanding the various diagnostic imaging and complex bone fractures, detecting cancer, monitoring radiology modalities is critical for medical assistants internal injuries, and guiding specific medical who want to provide...

Diagnostic Imaging Understanding the various diagnostic imaging and complex bone fractures, detecting cancer, monitoring radiology modalities is critical for medical assistants internal injuries, and guiding specific medical who want to provide comprehensive patient care. procedures. Diagnostic imaging refers to a variety of techniques that allow healthcare professionals to visualize the CT scans are used to diagnose complex bone internal structures of the body, resulting in more fractures, detect cancer, monitor internal injuries, and accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning. guide specific procedures. From the widely used X-ray, which aids in the Procedure: The patient is placed on a motorized table detection of bone fractures and lung conditions, to that slides into a tunnel-shaped scanner. They must advanced modalities such as MRI and CT scans, be still during the scan. Sometimes a contrast dye is which provide detailed images of soft tissues and injected to highlight specific areas. complex structures, each technique is critical in Patient Preparation: Ensure that the patient is not modern medicine. This chapter will go over these allergic to any contrast dyes that may be used and imaging techniques, explaining their functions, that any fasting instructions have been followed. applications, and the critical role they play in Warnings/Considerations: Inform the patient that diagnosing and treating a variety of medical contrast dye may cause a brief sensation of warmth. conditions. With this knowledge, you will be better Metal objects can interfere with imaging, so the able to support physicians and improve patient care patient should remove them. in your practice. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) X-ray (radiography) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong Diagnostic imaging and radiology refer to a group of magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed techniques used to visualize the inside of the body for images of organs and tissues in the body. MRI is clinical analysis and medical intervention. The most especially useful for diagnosing brain and spinal cord common and widely available diagnostic imaging abnormalities, joint and musculoskeletal disorders, technique is X-ray (radiography), which uses ionizing and heart and blood vessel issues. radiation to produce images of the inside of the body. It is primarily used to detect bone fractures, MRI is used to diagnose brain and spinal cord infections, tumors, and lung diseases like pneumonia abnormalities, joint and musculoskeletal disorders, and lung cancer. and heart and blood vessel issues. Procedure: The patient is positioned on a table that X-rays are used to diagnose bone fractures, slides into a large tube-shaped magnet. They must be infections, tumors, and lung diseases like pneumonia still during the imaging process. The machine and lung cancer. produces loud noises, so ear protection is provided. Procedure: Make sure the patient removes any Patient Preparation: Check the patient for any metal jewelry or metal objects. Position the patient based implants, pacemakers, or other metal objects that may on the area being imaged, usually standing or lying interfere with the magnetic field. down. A lead apron may be used to shield other parts Warnings and Considerations: Metal objects are of the body from radiation. strictly prohibited in the MRI room. Patients with Patient Preparation: Explain the procedure and make claustrophobia may require sedation. the patient comfortable. Warnings and considerations: Limit ionizing Ultrasound (Sonography) radiation exposure, particularly for pregnant patients. Ultrasound (Sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. A The Computed Tomography (CT) Scan transducer is moved over the skin, sending sound The Computed Tomography (CT) Scan combines waves into the body, which bounce back to form multiple X-ray images taken from various angles and images. Ultrasound is frequently used to examine employs computer processing to produce cross- fetuses during pregnancy, assess organs like the liver, sectional images of bones, blood vessels, and soft kidneys, and heart, and guide biopsies. tissues. This method is critical for diagnosing 299 Uses: Ultrasound is used to examine fetuses during Nuclear Medicine pregnancy, assess organs such as the liver, kidneys, Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive and heart, and guide biopsies. materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and A water-based gel is applied to the skin to aid the treat diseases. This method is effective for assessing transducer in making secure contact. The transducer thyroid function, detecting bone abnormalities, and is then moved over the area under examination. diagnosing heart disease. Patient Preparation: Explain the procedure and make the patient comfortable. No special preparation is It is used to assess thyroid function, detect bone usually required, but some exams may necessitate a abnormalities, and diagnose cardiovascular disease. full bladder. Procedure: A radiopharmaceutical is administered to Warnings/Considerations: Ultrasound is a safe, non- the patient orally or via injection. Images are invasive procedure with no known risks from sound captured using a gamma camera. waves. Patient Preparation: Follow the specific preparation instructions for the type of scan. Mammography Warnings/Considerations: Make sure the patient Mammography is a type of imaging that employs understands the low level of radiation exposure and low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue. It is follows all post-procedure safety instructions. essential for screening and diagnosing breast cancer because it produces detailed images that can reveal Fluoroscopy abnormalities in breast tissue. Fluoroscopy is a technique that uses a continuous X- ray beam to produce real-time images of the internal It is primarily used to detect and diagnose breast organs. It is frequently used to guide catheter cancer. placement, examine the gastrointestinal tract, and Procedure: The patient's breast is placed on a flat assess joint movement. surface and compressed with a paddle to spread the tissue. X-rays are taken from various angles. Its applications include guiding catheter placements, Patient Preparation: Inform the patient that they assessing the gastrointestinal tract, and evaluating should not use deodorants, perfumes, or powders on joint movement. the day of the exam because they can affect the The patient is positioned on an examination table, results. and a continuous X-ray beam is focused on the area Warnings/Considerations: Although compression of of interest. the breast can be uncomfortable, it is necessary for Patient Preparation: Explain the procedure and make clear images. certain the patient follows any pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Warnings/Considerations: Prolonged exposure to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use a fluoroscopy can increase radiation risk, so procedures small amount of radioactive material to visualize and should be kept as brief as possible. measure metabolic processes in the body. PET scans are critical for detecting cancer, assessing brain Bone Densitometry (DXA) disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, and Bone densitometry, also known as a DEXA or DXA determining heart function. scan, measures bone density with a low dose of ionizing radiation. It is primarily used to diagnose They are used to detect cancer, diagnose brain osteoporosis and determine fracture risk. disorders (such as Alzheimer's disease), and evaluate heart function. They are used to detect osteoporosis and determine Procedure: A radioactive tracer is injected into the fracture risk. patient and then allowed to circulate throughout the Procedure: The patient lies on a table while a scanner body. They then lie on a table that fits into the PET scans the spine and hips. scanner. Patient Preparation: Inform the patient that calcium Patient Preparation: Make sure the patient has supplements should be avoided for 24 hours prior to followed any dietary restrictions and fasting the examination. instructions. Warnings/Considerations: The radiation dose is low, Warnings/Considerations: Inform the patient that the making it safe for the majority of patients. radioactive material poses a minor risk, despite being generally considered safe. 300 Angiography uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels for detecting heart arrhythmias, myocardial following the injection of a contrast material. This infarctions, and other heart problems. technique is critical for detecting blockages in blood vessels, aneurysms, and other vascular conditions. It is used to diagnose heart arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, and other cardiac conditions. It can detect blockages in blood vessels, aneurysms, Electrodes are placed on the patient's chest, arms, and and other vascular conditions. legs to record the electrical signals from the heart. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, and contrast Patient Preparation: Ensure that the patient is relaxed dye is administered while X-rays are taken. and still throughout the procedure. Patient Preparation: Ensure that the patient has Warnings and considerations: There are no followed any fasting instructions and is not allergic to significant risks, and the procedure is quick and non- contrast dyes. invasive. Warnings and considerations: There is a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to the dye. Electroencephalography (EEG) Electroencephalography (EEG) measures the Cholangiopancreatography electrical activity of the brain. It is used to diagnose Cholangiopancreatography includes both ERCP and epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological MRCP. ERCP diagnoses and treats bile and conditions. pancreatic duct conditions using endoscopy and fluoroscopy, whereas MRCP visualizes these ducts It is used to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and with MRI. Both are used to detect gallstones, tumors, other neurological disorders. and pancreatitis. Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp to measure brain wave patterns. It is used to diagnose gallstones, tumors, and Patient Preparation: Make sure the patient has clean pancreatitis. hair and has followed any specific instructions. ERCP involves inserting an endoscope through the Warnings and Considerations: The procedure is safe mouth into the duodenum. An MRI scan is performed and non-invasive, but some patients may find the on the patient during the MRCP procedure. electrodes uncomfortable. Patient Preparation: For ERCP, ensure that the patient fasts for at least 6 hours beforehand. For Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) MRCP, adhere to standard MRI preparation Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is an guidelines. imaging technique that visualizes blood vessels by Warnings/Considerations: The risks of ERCP include subtracting pre-contrast images from post-contrast pancreatitis, infection, and perforation. images, increasing the visibility of vascular structures. It is used to detect blood vessel Thermography abnormalities, such as aneurysms and arterial Thermography detects heat patterns and blood flow blockages. in body tissues via infrared technology. It's useful for detecting inflammation and evaluating blood flow It assesses blood vessel abnormalities, aneurysms, issues. and arterial blockages. Procedure: A contrast dye is injected, and images are Uses: It detects inflammation and evaluates blood taken before and after to highlight blood vessels. flow issues. Patient Preparation: Make sure the patient has Procedure: The patient is positioned while infrared followed any fasting instructions and is aware of any images of the target area are captured. possible allergic reactions to the dye. Patient Preparation: No special preparation is usually Warnings/Considerations: The contrast dye may required. cause allergic reactions, as well as complications Warnings and considerations: Thermography is a during catheter insertion. non-invasive and safe procedure that does not involve radiation. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is an Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) advanced bone densitometry technique that estimates Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) measures the bone density using two different X-ray beams. Bone electrical activity of the heart over time. It is critical 301 mineral density is measured to diagnose osteoporosis Uses: It improves breast cancer detection and and assess fracture risk. diagnosis, particularly in dense tissue. Procedure: The patient's breast is positioned and It measures bone mineral density (BMD) to diagnose compressed while several X-ray images are taken. osteoporosis and assess fracture risk. Patient Preparation: Inform the patient not to use The patient lies on a table while the scanner scans the deodorants, perfumes, or powders on the day of the body. exam. Patient Preparation: Inform the patient that calcium Warnings/Considerations: Compression can be supplements should be avoided for 24 hours prior to uncomfortable, but it is necessary for clear images. the examination. Warnings/Considerations: The radiation dose is low, Interventional Radiology making it safe for the majority of patients. Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that employs imaging techniques to guide SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed minimally invasive surgeries. It is used to perform Tomography) angioplasty, stent placements, biopsies, and tumor SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed ablation procedures. Tomography) is a nuclear imaging technique that creates 3D images of the body by detecting gamma Its applications include angioplasty, stent placement, rays emitted by a radiotracer. It is used to detect and biopsies, and tumor ablation. monitor brain disorders, heart conditions, and bone Procedure: The patient is positioned as directed, diseases. usually under local anesthesia, while real-time It is used to diagnose and monitor brain and heart imaging guides the intervention. disorders, as well as bone diseases. Patient Preparation: Ensure that the patient has Procedure: After receiving a radiotracer injection, the followed any fasting or medication guidelines. patient lies on a table while a gamma camera rotates Warnings and considerations: Keep an eye out for around them. complications after the procedure, such as bleeding Patient Preparation: Confirm that the patient has or infection. followed any specific instructions, such as fasting. Warnings/Considerations: Inform the patient that the Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) radioactive material poses a low risk, even though it Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is an MRI is generally considered safe. technique used to visualize blood vessels. It is used to assess aneurysms, stenosis, and other vascular Elastography abnormalities. Elastography is an ultrasound or MRI-based imaging technique for measuring tissue stiffness. It is useful It assesses aneurysms, stenosis, and other vascular for determining liver fibrosis, detecting tumors, and abnormalities. assessing other soft tissue abnormalities. Procedure: The patient lies on a table that slides into the MRI machine and remains still throughout the It is used to assess liver fibrosis, tumors, and other imaging. soft tissue abnormalities. Patient Preparation: Check for metal implants and Procedure: The patient remains still while the make sure the patient has followed all dietary ultrasound or MRI device measures tissue stiffness. restrictions. Patient Preparation: Follow the standard preparation Warnings/Considerations: Metal objects are not guidelines for ultrasound or MRI, as applicable. permitted in the MRI room, and patients with Warnings and Considerations: The procedure is non- claustrophobia may require sedation. invasive and safe. Functional MRI (fMRI) Tomosynthesis Functional MRI (fMRI) uses blood flow changes to Tomosynthesis is a type of advanced mammography measure and map brain activity. It is used to that generates 3D images of the breast by combining investigate brain function, plan brain surgery, and multiple X-ray images from various angles. It study neurological and psychiatric disorders. enhances breast cancer detection and diagnosis, particularly in dense breast tissue. 302 Its applications include studying brain function, planning brain surgery, and researching neurological Its applications include the early detection of and psychiatric conditions. coronary artery disease and the assessment of The patient engages in tasks or responds to stimuli cardiovascular risk. while in the MRI machine, which measures brain Procedure: The patient lies on a table that slides into activity. the CT scanner, and images are captured quickly. Patient Preparation: Follow the standard MRI Patient Preparation: Follow the standard CT preparation guidelines. preparation guidelines. Warnings/Considerations: The procedure is safe, but Warnings and considerations: The procedure is quick metal objects are not allowed, and patients with and safe, with minimal radiation exposure. claustrophobia may require sedation. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Cardiac CT (Coronary CT Angiography) Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT combines PET Cardiac CT (Coronary CT Angiography) examines and CT scans with FDG, a radioactive glucose the heart and its blood vessels, which are often analog, to evaluate metabolic activity and anatomical enhanced with contrast material. It is used to assess structure. It is used to diagnose and stage cancer, coronary artery disease, cardiac function, and track treatment outcomes, and assess neurological congenital heart defects. conditions. Its applications include assessing coronary artery Its applications include cancer diagnosis and staging, disease, heart function, and congenital heart treatment response monitoring, and neurological anomalies. condition evaluation. Procedure: The patient lies on a table that slides into Procedure: The patient is given an FDG injection, the CT scanner, and contrast dye is injected to waits for it to be distributed, and then lies on a table highlight the heart's structures. for the PET/CT scan. Patient Preparation: Ensure that the patient follows Patient Preparation: Make sure the patient follows fasting instructions and is not allergic to contrast dye. any fasting instructions and understands the low risk Warnings and Considerations: Inform the patient that of the radioactive material. the contrast dye may cause a brief sensation of Warnings/Considerations: The procedure is generally warmth. safe, with only minor risk from the FDG. Molecular Imaging Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) Molecular imaging is the application of imaging Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) improves technologies to visualize biological processes at the ultrasound images by utilizing microbubble contrast molecular and cellular levels. It is used to detect and agents. It improves the visualization of blood flow monitor cancer, measure metabolic activity, and and organ perfusion, as well as the detection of liver assess the effectiveness of targeted therapies. tumors. Its applications include cancer detection and It improves the visualization of blood flow and organ monitoring, metabolic activity assessment, and the perfusion, as well as the detection of liver tumors. efficacy of targeted therapies. Procedure: During an ultrasound scan, the patient is Procedure: The patient is administered a molecular given a microbubble contrast injection. imaging agent, and images are captured using the Patient Preparation: Follow the standard ultrasound appropriate technology. preparation guidelines. Patient Preparation: Follow the specific instructions Warnings/Considerations: The procedure is safe, with for the imaging technique used. little risk from the contrast agents. Warnings/Considerations: The procedure is generally safe, with little risk from the imaging agents. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is an Ultrafast CT (Electron Beam CT) MRI technique that uses rapid imaging after injecting Ultrafast CT (Electron Beam CT) scans the heart for contrast material to assess tissue vascularity and coronary artery calcification. It is used to detect permeability. It is used to evaluate tumors, track coronary artery disease at an early stage and assess treatment progress, and assess organ perfusion. cardiovascular risk. 303 Its applications include tumor assessment, treatment Warnings/Considerations: The procedure is safe and response monitoring, and organ perfusion evaluation. involves little radiation exposure. Procedure: The patient lies on a table that slides into the MRI machine, and contrast dye is injected during Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) the imaging procedure. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy Patient Preparation: Check for metal implants and and ultrasound to produce high-resolution images and make sure the patient follows any fasting or information about the digestive tract and its medication guidelines. surrounding tissues. It is used to identify and stage Warnings/Considerations: Metal objects are not gastrointestinal cancers, assess pancreatitis, and guide permitted in the MRI room, and patients with fine-needle aspiration. claustrophobia may require sedation. It is used to diagnose and stage gastrointestinal Cone Beam CT (CBCT) cancers, evaluate pancreatitis, and guide fine-needle Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is a type of CT scan that aspiration procedures. uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to generate detailed The procedure involves inserting an endoscope with 3D images. It is widely used in dental and orthopedic an ultrasound probe through the mouth into the imaging to plan dental implants, assess jawbone digestive tract. structures, and diagnose complex fractures. Patient Preparation: Have the patient fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure. It's used to plan dental implants, evaluate jawbone Warnings and considerations: There is a risk of structures, and assess complex fractures. bleeding, infection, and perforation, and the patient Procedure: The patient sits or lies still as the CBCT may require sedation. scanner rotates around the area of interest. Patient Preparation: Make sure the patient removes any metal objects. 304