1. Imaging Highlights

2. PROJECTION Refers to the path the beam takes through part
Anteroposterior projection (AP)
Beam enters the front surface and exits the back surface of the part
Posteroanterior projection (PA)
Beam enters the back and exits the front of the part
AP projection in supine position
PA projection in prone position

3. L lateral erect position R to L lateral projection
Lateral Projections
Normally the positioning terminology is used rather than projection
torso and head
Right to left lateral projection
Left to right lateral projection
extremities
Mediolateral projection
Lateromedial projection
L lateral erect position
R to L lateral projection

4. Oblique Projections Normally the positioning terminology is used
example
RPO position = right anterior to right posterior projection (oblique AP)

5. Radiographpy vs Nuclear Medicine
Radiography – source of radiation is external. Gamma rays pass through body and form radiograph
Nuclear Medicine – source of radiation is radiopharmaceutical taken internally. X-rays pass out of body and form scan image.

6. Ionization Ability of x-rays to change substances thru which they pass
Used to make radiographs and treat cancer
May cause cell damage and even death

7. Nuclear Scan Can give picture of both structure and function
Use radiopharma-ceutical to produce image

8. Common Scans Bone – fractures, tumors, inflammation, bone growth
Brain – tumors, blood flow
Liver – cirrhosis, hepatitis, tumors, cysts, abscesses
Lung – blood clots, tumors
Thyroid – function, tumors

9. Radioimmunoassay
Mix blood with radioactive substance to determine specific blood protein concentrations
Find antibodies and antigens (titers)

10. Radiation Therapy Treatment of CA with external radiation
Stereotactic – focusing multiple beams at the same spot

11. Teletherapy vs Bradytherapy
Teletherapy – radiation source is external
Bradytherapy – radiation source is internal

12. Tomography
Imaging method that produces tomes (cross sections) of body along any plane

13. CAT vs PET
CAT – 2D tomes are reconstructed to show 3D images of structure
PET – radiopharmecuticals are used to give 2D and 3D images of function

14. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Media – radio waves and a strong magnetic field
Gives good image of soft tissues
Cannot use if metal is implanted in body

15. Sonogram Media – sound waves Gives image of deep structures
Only imaging procedure safe for fetus

16. Thermogram Media – infrared camera captures surface body heat
Newer forms relate metabolic activity (function) to heat given off

17. Contrast Medium
Radio-opaque substance used to make hard-to-see structure show up on image
Used in CAT scans and fluoroscopy

18. Radio-opaque vs Radiolucent
Block x-rays
Shows up as light color
Radiolucent –
Passes x-rays thru’
Shows up as dark color

19. Fluoroscopy Visualization of moving structures
Used with radio-opaque substances