Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI also may show problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods.

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images that can be saved and stored on a computer for more study. The images also can be reviewed remotely, such as in a clinic or an operating room. In some cases, contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to show certain structures more clearly.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done for many reasons. It is used to find problems such as tumors, bleeding, injury, blood vessel diseases, or infection. MRI also may be done to provide more information about a problem seen on an X-ray, ultrasound scan, or CT scan. Contrast material may be used during MRI to show abnormal tissue more clearly. An MRI scan can be done for the:

• Head. MRI can look at the brain for tumors, an aneurysm, bleeding in the brain, nerve injury, and other problems, such as damage caused by a stroke. MRI can also find problems of the eyes and optic nerves, and the ears and auditory nerves.

• Chest. MRI of the chest can look at the heart, the valves, and coronary blood vessels. It can show if the heart or lungs are damaged. MRI of the chest may also be used to look for breast or lung cancer.

• Blood vessels. Using MRI to look at blood vessels and the flow of blood through them is called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It can find problems of the arteries and veins, such as an aneurysm, a blocked blood vessel, or the torn lining of a blood vessel (dissection). Sometimes contrast material is used to see the blood vessels more clearly.

• Abdomen and pelvis. MRI can find problems in the organs and structures in the belly, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. It is used to find tumors, bleeding, infection, and blockage. In women, it can look at the uterus and ovaries. In men, it looks at the prostate.

• Bones and joints. MRI can check for problems of the bones and joints, such asarthritis, problems with the temporomandibular joint, bone marrow problems,bone tumors, cartilage problems, torn ligaments or tendons, or infection. MRI may also be used to tell if a bone is broken when X-ray results are not clear. MRI is done more commonly than other tests to check for some bone and joint problems.

• Spine. MRI can check the discs and nerves of the spine for conditions such asspinal stenosis, disc bulges, and spinal tumors.

Computed Tomography

A CT scan stands for Computed Tomography scan. It is also known as a CAT (Computer Axial Tomography) scan. It is a medical imaging method that employs tomography. Tomography is the process of generating a two-dimensional image of a slice or section through a 3-dimensional object (a tomogram).

The medical device (the machine) is called a CTG scanner; it is a large machine and uses X-rays. It used to be called an EMI scan, because it was developed by the company EMI. Undergoing a CT scan is a painless procedure.

The CT scanner uses digital geometry processing to generate a 3-dimensional (3-D) image of the inside of an object. The 3-D image is made after many 2-dimensional (2-D) X-ray images are taken around a single axis of rotation - in other words, many pictures of the same area are taken from many angles and then placed together to produce a 3-D image.

The Greek word tomos means "slice and the Greek word graphein means "write".

How does a CT scan work?

A CT scanner emits a series of narrow beams through the human body as it moves through an arc, unlike an X-ray machine which sends just one radiation beam. The final picture is far more detailed than an X-ray one.

Inside the CT scanner there is an X-ray detector which can see hundreds of different levels of density. It can see tissues inside a solid organ. This data is transmitted to a computer, which builds up a 3-D cross-sectional picture of the part of the body and displays it on the screen.

Sometimes a contrast dye is used because it shows up much more clearly on the screen. If a 3-D image of the abdomen is required the patient may have to drink a barium meal. The barium appears white on the scan as it travels through the digestive system. If images lower down the body are required, such as the rectum, the patient may be given a barium enema. If blood vessels are the target images the barium will be injected.

The accuracy and speed of CT scans may be improved with the application of spiral CT. The X-ray beam takes a spiral path during the scanning - it gathers continuous data with no gaps between images. For a spiral scan of the chest, for example, the patient will be asked to hold his/her breath for a few seconds.

What Is Coronary Angiography?

Coronary angiography (an-jee-OG-rah-fee) is a test that uses dye and special x rays to show the insides of your coronary arteries. The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

A waxy substance called plaque (plak) can build up inside the coronary arteries. The buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries is called coronary heart disease(CHD).

Over time, plaque can harden or rupture (break open). Hardened plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can cause chest pain or discomfort called angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh).

If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form on its surface. A large blood clot can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery. This is the most common cause of a heart attack. Over time, ruptured plaque also hardens and narrows the coronary arteries.

Overview

During coronary angiography, special dye is released into the bloodstream. The dye makes the coronary arteries visible on x-ray pictures. This helps doctors see blockages in the arteries.  

A procedure called cardiac catheterization (KATH-eh-ter-ih-ZA-shun) is used to get the dye into the coronary arteries.

For this procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel in your arm, groin (upper thigh), or neck. The tube is threaded into your coronary arteries, and the dye is released into your bloodstream. X-ray pictures are taken while the dye is flowing through the coronary arteries.

Cardiologists (heart specialists) usually do cardiac catheterization in a hospital. You're awake during the procedure, and it causes little or no pain. However, you may feel some soreness in the blood vessel where the catheter was inserted.

Cardiac catheterization rarely causes serious complications.

X-Ray Radiography

X-Ray Radiography is a nondestructive semiconductor failure analysis technique used to examine the interior details of the package. It operates on the principle of dissimilar transmission of X-Rays through different materials.  The ability of a material to block X-Rays increases with its density. It is this dissimilar transmission of X-rays through different materials that is utilized to create an image of various contrasts.  X-Ray imaging may be accomplished on film, by fluoroscopy, or by using image intensifying video systems.

  

A typical modern X-Ray inspection equipment has a filament that produces an electron beam used to excite a target into producing X-Rays. The X-Ray emissions are then directed to and transmitted through the specimen. The transmitted X-Rays are collected by a detector, translated into electric signals, amplified, and transformed into an X-Ray image.

           

The varying densities of the various materials comprising the specimen allow different amounts of X-Rays to pass through, resulting in varying grayscale levels on the X-Ray image.  The quality of the X-Ray image formed therefore depends not only on the proper operation of the X-Ray equipment used, but on the composition of the specimen as well. Some materials used in semiconductor assembly, such as aluminum wires, are transparent to X-Ray, and are therefore invisible in X-Ray images.           

                              

X-Ray radiography is commonly used to inspect for wiresweeping and other wirebond problems, die attach voids, package voids and cracks. It is excellent for determining leadframe outlines as well. Traditional x-ray systems use photosensitive films to record the x-ray image. Since X-Rays are not easy to focus, this method produces low-resolution images, which greatly limits its usefulness. 

                            

Today, X-Ray systems use a microspot source, real-time detection and automated manipulation of the sample to achieve higher resolution and throughput. These systems are capable of detecting much finer package details and defects.

Digital Radiography & Fluoroscopy

Digital radiology may represent the greatest technological advancement in medical imaging over the last decade. The use of radiographic films in x ray imaging might become obsolete in a few years. An appropriate analogy that is easy to understand is the replacement of typical film cameras with digital cameras. Images can be immediately acquired, deleted, modified, and subsequently sent to a network of computers.

The benefits from digital radiology are enormous. It can make a radiological facility or department filmless. The referring physician can view the requested image on a desktop or a personal computer and often report in just a few minutes after the examination was performed. The images are no longer held in a single location; but can be seen simultaneously by physicians who are kilometres apart. In addition, the patient can have the x ray images on a compact disk to take to another physician or hospital.

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Breast Radiology

Breast cancer is the number one killer out of all cancers  in women globally. Most of the recorded cases are those presented with symptoms are of advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.

Early diagnose may help the patient to get better treatment options by giving them the best chance to be survived.

There are various methods of diagnosing breast cancer early

Self breast examination

Clinical breast examination

Ultra sound scanning

Mammogram

Breast self examination

The woman can examine the breast by herself

The method of self breast examination Is as follow

Check for  pain, lump, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, skin infiltration ,skin erythemia, Asymmetry of the both breast

Clinical breast examination 

If the woman find any abnormality by the SBE She should go to the physician or a surgeon

He or She will examine you

Ultra sound scan

Will be done by well expert radiologist 

Basic Mammography Techniques

It is the mammographer's aim to produce a consistently high quality mammographic image.This is paramount in diagnostic mammography to enable the Radiologist to accurately evaluate the image.

Views

Cranio Caudal View

• This view includes most of the breast tissue. 

• Ensure firstly the bucky height is correct and at the level of the infra mammary fold so the breast is fully elevated including the posterior tissue. This reduces the chance of pulling the skin as the compression comes down. 

• The patient stands facing the bucky with her head turned away from the side being examined. Keep one arm around her shoulder and the other hand to position the breast. Position from the medial side of the woman

Criteria for assessing the CC view 

1. As much medial and lateral tissue visualised as possible 

2. Aim to include pectoral muscle 

3. Correct exposure 

4. Adequate compression 

5. No movement 

6. Proper processing 

7. No artefacts 

8. No skin folds or shoulder in view 

9. Images should be symmetrical 

10. Correct film ID-patient details, markers, date, and radiographer's initials 

11. Nipple in profile-if difficult, do an extra nipple view.

Medio-Lateral Oblique

• The degree of angulation depends on the angle of the pectoralis major muscle. The film holder should be parallel to the angle of the pectoral muscle at the mid axillary line. Generally taller, slimmer women need a steeper angle. Smaller women may need to be more lateral and larger breasted women less than 45 degrees. 

• Ask the woman the place her hand on the bar as the armpit is placed over the bucky corner. Ensure no folds on the lateral side of the breast and check all the lateral tissue is on the edge of the Bucky. The arm should be resting over and on to the back of the bucky. 

• Gently push the shoulder down by the hand on the clavicle. 

• Once sure there is adequate axillary tissue, position the breast and apply the compression while supporting the inferior aspect. The breast needs to be pulled up and out so that it will be imaged at 90 degrees to the chest wall. 

• Ensure no folds and smooth out the inframammary region. To be sure that all the breast tissue has been imaged the top of the compression plate should be just below the clavicle and the inner edge alongside the sternum. 

X-ray is Everywhere

X-ray is everywhere. I just found a site & here you can get high quality x-ray images as shown on follow. This is good site for your own customized x-ray, art work or graphics . Just visit this and you can get more details...

X ray Posters

Watch now -- History of Radiography

Radiography is a interesting field when you are working with it.  For everything, i believe we should know about the history. Otherwise we couldn't build the strong future. I could find some interesting video about 'History of The Radiography' from the You tube. Watch this and learn something about history of the 'Radiography'...

  

Chest Radiography

The chest x-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. A chest x-ray makes images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels and the bones of the spine and chest.
An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

Common uses of the procedure


The chest x-ray is performed to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall.


A chest x-ray is typically the first imaging test used to help diagnose symptoms such as:
• shortness of breath.
• a bad or persistent cough.
• chest pain or injury.
• fever.

Physicians use the examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:
• pneumonia.
• heart failure and other heart problems.
• emphysema.
• lung cancer.
• line and tube placement.
• other medical conditions.

Radiologic technologists and technicians or Radiographers

Radiologic technologists  perform diagnostic imaging examinations like x rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography.

Some radiologic technologists , referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient's body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast.

Radiologic technologists and technicians must follow physicians' orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists and technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.

Radiologic technologists also perform more complex imaging procedures. When performing fluoroscopies, for example, radiologic technologists prepare a solution for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist (a physician who interprets radiographs) to see soft tissues in the body.

Some radiologic technologists specialize in computed tomography (CT), as CT technologists. CT scans produce a substantial amount of cross-sectional x rays of an area of the body. From those cross-sectional x rays, a three-dimensional image is made. The CT uses ionizing radiation; therefore, it requires the same precautionary measures that are used with x rays.

Radiologic technologists also can specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) as MR technologists. MR, like CT, produces multiple cross-sectional images to create a 3-dimensional image. Unlike CT and x rays, MR uses non-ionizing radio frequency to generate image contrast.

Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography. Mammographers use low dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast.

In addition to radiologic technologists, others who conduct diagnostic imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians,diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists. 

Building Medical words

• a or an or ana - without
» a-calculia (can't do math)
» a-kinesia (without movement)
» a-phasia (without speech)
» a-plasia (not formed or not formed normally) e.g. aplastic anemia

• brady - slow:
» brady-cardia (slow pulse)
» brady-kinesia (slow or paucity of movements)

• dys - abnormal, painful
» dys-function
» dys-phagia (abnormal eating/swallowing)
» dys-phasia (abnormal speech - also aphasia)
» dys-plasia (abnormal cells, tissue, organ)
» dys-pepsia (impaird or painful digestion)
» dys-pnea (bad breathing, shortness or breath or SOB, "air hunger"

• lepid - scales
» lepido-ptera (scale wing)

• lepto - thin
» lepto-meninges (pia and arachnoid)

• morphos - shape
» ana-morphic (without shape)
» dys-morphic (badly shaped)
» poly-morphic (many shapes)

• oligo - few
» oligo-dendrocytes (like astrocyte, but fewer branches)

For more knowledge...

Radiography

Medical radiography is a broad term that covers several types of studies that require the visualization of the internal parts of the body using x-ray techniques. Simply radiography means a technique for generating and recording an x-ray pattern for the purpose of providing the user with a static image(s) after termination of the exposure. It is differentiated as  fluoroscopy, mammography, and computed tomography according to the X-ray energy, recording system as well as the region of the imaged. Radiography may also be used during the planning of radiation therapy treatment.  It is used to diagnose or treat patients by recording images of the internal structure of the body to assess the presence or absence of disease, foreign objects, and structural damage or anomaly.

During a radiographic procedure, an x-ray beam is passed through the body. A portion of the x-rays are absorbed or scattered by the internal structure and the remaining x-ray pattern is transmitted to a detector so that an image may be recorded for later evaluation. The recoding of the pattern may occur on film or through electronic means.

Application 

Radiography is used in many types of examinations and procedures where a record of a static image is desired. Some examples include:

• Dental examination
• Verification of correct placement of surgical markers prior to invasive procedures
• Mammography
• Orthopedic evaluations
• Spot film or static recording during fluoroscopy
• Chiropractic examinations

What is Radiography

Radiography uses the science of radiation to produce images of tissues and organs. 

Radiography Definition

Radiography is used by medical professionals to diagnose and treat medical conditions. The diagonostic side of radiography uses specialized equipment to creat images, such as x-rays, that show the inside of the human body. X-rays can be recorded on film or as a computerized image. Radiography can also be used to treat internal malignancies like tumors. A doctor who specializes in radiography is called a radiologist, while an assistant is referred as a radiologic technologist.