1. Medical Imaging
Illuminating the Body

2. X - Rays
Produced by directing very short electromagnetic X-rays at the body
It produces a shadowy negative of internal structures
Dense tissues (like bones) are more white than soft tissue (like organs)

5. X-Ray using contrast media
Contrast agents usually contains barium or iodine which absorb more x-rays than the surrounding tissue

6. X-Rays What do they do best??
Used to visualize hard bony structures and locate abnormally dense objects like tumors or tuberculosis nodules in lungs

7. Computed Tomography (CT)
Patient moves thru donut shaped CT machine and X-Ray tube rotates around body
X-ray beam is confined to a slice of the body the size of a dime
Computer translates information into detailed cross-sectional picture of body section

10. CT scans What do they do best??
They end confusion resulting from overlapping structures seen in conventional X-Rays
Used for evaluating most problems affecting brain and abdomen (makes exploratory surgery not necessary)

11. Dynamic Spatial Reconstruction (DSR)
Uses CT scans to create 3-D images of organs

12. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Patient injected with radioisotope that is tagged to a biological molecule (ie. glucose)
Cells absorb tagged molecules and high energy gamma rays are produced
Computer analyzes emissions and assigns colors

13. PET Scanner

14. PET scans

15. PET scans What do they do best??
Allows metabolic processes to be observed
Provides insights into brain activity

16. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Maps hydrogen in the body
Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to energize hydrogen atoms in the body.
Energy then released from the hydrogen atoms is translated into a visual image (distinguishes body tissues based on water content)

17. MRI

18. MRI

19. Magnetic Resonance Imaging What does it do best??
Produces high contrast images
Can show differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue
Tumors and plaques are very clear

20. Ultrasound Imaging (Sonography)
High frequency sound waves are pulsed through a probe into the body
The sound waves echo when reflected off body tissues
A computer analyzes the sound waves and constructs a picture

21. Ultrasound Imaging (Sonography)

22. Sonogram

23. Ultrasound Technology What does it do best??
Ultrasound waves are safer to use for imaging than the radiation energy used in nuclear medical imaging
Technique of choice in obstetrics for viewing fetal development

24. M2A Swallowable Imaging Capsule
The capsule contains a miniature video camera, a battery, a tiny light and a transmitter
Images are picked up by a Walkman-sized receiver worn on a belt

25. M2A Swallowable Imaging Capsule

26. M2A Swallowable Imaging Capsule What does it do best??
It travels easily through the digestive system