Question

What are the different forms of radiologic imaging ~ which ones are for which functions? Be prepared to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these digital imaging methods. (PET, MRI, Ultrasound, DEXA scan, PACS, functional MRI ~ difference between a functional MRI and a regular MRI).

COURSE: Information Technology for the Health Professions

Answer 1

Different types of radiographic images and functions

              X-ray

                * X-rays are used to detect pathological conditions like commonly used in dental to locate

                  cavities in teeth and other areas examined include digesive,endocrine,reproductive,nervous

                  systems and the chest and bones.

             Computed Tomography (CT,CAT)

                     * It provide two dimensional images of internal structures of the body and the machine

                       consist of a x-ray detector and x-ray source.CT scan is use to detect brain tumors,

                       haematomas,masses in the chest,liver,kidney and pancres and spinal cord lesions.

          Contrast studies

                     * In X-rays natural difference in the density of tissues produce contrasting shadow images

                       on the x-ray filim.In this contrast material inject into the structure or liquid which is needed

                        to be visualized after taking x-ray.it is useful in detection of problems of internal organs

                       and body fluids.Examples of contrast studies are

                                                                 * Barium swallow studies.

                                                                 * Angiography, Arteriography.

                                                                 * Arthrography.

                                                                 * Bronchography.

                                                                  * Cholecystography,Cholangiography.

             Fluroscopy

                        In this type of studies flurescent screen used instead of photographic plates then take

                        x-rays of the body.it is useful to take images of heart and digestive tract in motion.

          Ultrasound

                       In this use ultrasound waves to develop images of internal organs and it is useful in

                      performing procedures like aminocentesis and detect cyst and tumors of internal organs.

         M R I scan (Magnetic resonance imaging)

                      it give three dimensional images of internal organs with the help of strong magnetic

                     radiation and useful to detect tumors and cysts and other deep tissue abnormalities.

      Nuclear medicine studies

                 In this physicians use both in vitro(in test tube) and in vivo(inside of body) procedures

                 with the help radioactive chemicals which is useful to evaluvate function of an organ

                 and take images of that organ.this studies include PET scan(Positron emission tomography)

                 SPECT(Single photon emission computer tomography).

Advantage and disadvantages of following imaging studies

                PET scan

                           Advantages

                                        * useful to evaluvation of functioning of an organ (eg: Thyroid gland) if any

                                           abnormality occur.

                                        * It give idea of internal organs of the body through images which is helpful

                                          to detect diseases.

                         Disadvantages

                                         * Radioactive substances used in this scan may produce tumor like diseases

                                           in some people and high cost for doing this type of scan.

           MRI scan

                          Advantages

                                          * It give three dimensional images of internal structures of the body so used

                                            to detect deep tissue tumors and cysts.

                                          * Compared to CT scan it give more clear evidence of problems inside our

                                             body and make the diagnosis process become easy.

                         Disadvantages

                                         * High cost for doing this type of scan.

                                         * Strong magnetic radiation and sound produced during scanning result in

                                            tinnitus (ringing sound in ear),nausea and vomitting.

                                         * During the scan can not carry electric equipments and need to remove

                                           metal products from the patients body.(patient with metalic stents unable

                                           to perform this type of scan.

                Ultrasound

                        Advantages

                                   * Ultrasound waves nonionizing and noninjurious to tissues in the body so useful

                                     to detect problems of internal organs.

                                   * Useful to view major blood vessels of patients with stroke or cardiac problems.

                                   * Help to know the functioning of chambers of heart and used in doing procedures

                                     like thoracentesis.

             Disadvantages

                             * Many cancers can not detect through ultrasound examination.

                             * Calcifications are not visible when using ultrasound scan.

           Dexa scan

                          Advantages

                                       * It give accurate information about internal organs of the body.

                                        * Amount of radiation is less compared to other scan.

                                        * It is a painless procedure and only ten minutes is needed.

             Disadvantages

                                     * Even the radiation is less it cannot used in case of pregnant women.

                                     * Dexa bone density scan produce side effects like heart burn,nausea etc.

    PACS (Picture archiving and communication system)

               Advantages

                         * Useful to easily sharing of information to physician through electrical system.

                         * It helps to improve the quality of care through rapid communication.

            Disadvantages

                          * High cost.

                          * Need of a person who specialized in installing and maintainance.

                          * Security issues may develop during transfer of datas.

   Functional MRI

                Advantages

                         * Images produced in functional MRI are high resolution so easy to detect abnormalities.

                         * No risk of radiation explosure.

                         * It can noninvasively evaluvate functioning of brain accurately.

          Disadvantages

                          * High cost.

                          * If the person staying completely still then scan only capture a clear image.

Difference between functional MRI and regular MRI

                     * Regular MRI detect only give a three dimensional images of brain but in functional MRI

                       it gives information about blood floe and metabolic process of brain with the help of an

                       advanced scanner.

                                           

                     

                     

                      It give

                                                                  * Digital substraction angiography.