Radiology

Pradip R. Patel

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781119550341
• eBook ISBN: 9781119550372
• Edition: 4
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Radiology, Radiotherapy & Nuclear Medicine

Radiology Lecture Notes is a succinct yet thorough introduction to the essential imaging techniques used in various clinical situations. This fully revised and updated new edition presents the fundamental core knowledge of film interpretation, specialised radiological investigations, and procedures for imaging specific problems. The book explores common diseases and disorders complemented by good quality radiology images and full-colour illustrations. Concise chapters, organised by body systems cover investigations of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, the liver and pancreas, and many others.

Now in its fourth edition, this market-leading guide has been updated to reflect current practices and technologies in the field, featuring new up-to-date content on Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This practical guide:

• Provides a basic foundation in the principles and techniques of radiology
• Offers new content, including up-to-date CT, MRI and nuclear medicine images
• Features bulleted lists, 'Key Points' boxes, and 'Radiological Investigations' sections throughout the text

Radiology Lecture Notes is an ideal study and revision guide for medical students and junior doctors, and will be a useful aid for specialist nurses, radiographers, and radiology department staff.

1
Introduction

Recent technological advances have produced a bewildering array of complex imaging techniques and procedures. The basic principle of imaging, however, remains the anatomical demonstration of a particular region and related abnormalities, the principal imaging modalities being:

• plain X‐rays: utilizes a collimated X‐ray beam to image the chest, abdomen, skeletal structures, etc.;
• fluoroscopy: a continuous X‐ray beam produces a moving image to monitor examinations such as barium meals, barium enemas, etc.;
• ultrasound (US): employs high‐frequency sound waves to visualize structures in the abdomen, pelvis, neck and peripheral soft tissues;
• computed tomography (CT): obtains cross‐sectional computerized densities and images from an X‐ray beam/detector system;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): exploits the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms in the body to produce images;
• nuclear medicine (NM): acquires functional as well as anatomical details by gamma radiation detection from injected radioisotopes.

Contrast media

Contrast agents are substances that assist visualization of some structures during the above techniques, working on the basic principle of X‐ray absorption, thereby preventing their transmission through the patient. The most commonly used are barium sulphate to outline the gastrointestinal tract, and organic iodine preparations; the latter widely used intravenously in CT for vascular and organ enhancement. Contrast agents can also be introduced into specific sites, for example:

• arteriography: the arterial system;
• venography: the venous system;
• myelography: spinal theca;
• cholangiography: the biliary system;
• hysterosalpingography: uterus;
• arthrography: joints;
• sialography: salivary glands.

The possibility of an allergic reaction exists with iodinated contrast media, an increased risk noted in those with a history of allergy, bronchospasm and cardiac disease, as well as in the elderly, neonates, diabetics or patients with multiple myeloma.

• Minor reactions: nausea, vomiting, urticarial rash, headache.
• Intermediate reactions: hypotension, bronchospasm.
• Major reactions: convulsions, pulmonary oedema, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest.

Drug therapy should be readily available to treat reactions, for example:

• urticaria: chlorphenamine or other antihistamines;
• pulmonary oedema: furosemide i.v.;
• convulsions: diazepam i.v.;
• bronchospasm: hydrocortisone i.v. and bronchodilators such as salbutamol;
• anaphylactic reactions: adrenaline s.c. or i.v.

Radiation protection

All individuals receive natural background radiation but diagnostic tests now ac...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• List of contributors
• About the companion website
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Respiratory tract
• 3 Cardiovascular system
• 4 Gastrointestinal tract
• 5 Liver and pancreas
• 6 Urinary tract
• 7 Musculoskeletal system
• 8 Trauma
• 9 Paediatrics
• 10 Obstetrics and gynaecology
• 11 Neuroradiology
• 12 Specific radiological investigations
• 13 Image viewing hints
• Index
• End User License Agreement