ED Imaging Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is an X-ray best used for?
Bones, lungs, foreign objects, fractures, chest and abdominal screening.
When should an X-ray be used?
Suspected fractures, pneumonia, pneumothorax, bowel obstruction, or foreign body.
What are the advantages of X-rays?
Fast, inexpensive, low radiation exposure.
What is a CT scan best used for?
Detailed imaging of bones, brain injuries, bleeds, chest/abdomen/pelvis pathology, and trauma.
When should a CT scan be used?
Head trauma, suspected stroke, appendicitis, diverticulitis, full-body trauma, or pulmonary embolism.
What are the advantages of CT scans?
Fast, detailed images, especially good in emergencies.
What is a disadvantage of CT scans?
Higher radiation dose compared to X-rays.
What is an MRI best used for?
Soft tissue detail, brain and spinal cord imaging, joints, ligaments, and tumors.
When should an MRI be used?
Evaluating stroke, MS, soft tissue injuries (like ACL tears), spinal cord compression, or tumors.
What are the advantages of MRI?
No radiation, excellent soft tissue contrast.
What are disadvantages of MRI?
Expensive, time-consuming, and not safe for patients with some metal implants or pacemakers.
What is a CT without contrast used for?
To evaluate areas where contrast isn’t needed or might obscure findings, such as head trauma, stroke, or kidney stones.
When should a CT without contrast be used?
Acute head injury (r/o bleed), suspected stroke (initial imaging), kidney stones, spine or bone evaluation, patients with iodine contrast allergy or kidney failure.
What is a CT with contrast used for?
To enhance visualization of blood vessels, organs, and inflammation.
When should a CT with contrast be used?
Abdominal pain (r/o appendicitis, diverticulitis, abscess), mass or tumor evaluation, suspected infection or inflammation, liver, pancreas, or bowel imaging.
What are the risks of CT with contrast?
Contrast-induced nephropathy and allergic reaction to iodine-based dye.
What is a CTA (CT Angiography)?
A type of CT scan done with IV contrast specifically timed to visualize blood vessels.
When is CTA used?
Suspected pulmonary embolism (CTA chest), suspected stroke (CTA head/neck), aortic dissection or aneurysm, coronary artery evaluation (in some cases).
How does CTA differ from regular CT with contrast?
CTA requires timed contrast injection to specifically highlight arteries and veins.
What imaging is ordered first for trauma patients in the ED?
A trauma CT or pan-scan (head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis CTs, often with contrast).
What imaging is preferred for suspected stroke in the ED?
Non-contrast head CT first, followed by CTA head/neck if stroke is suspected.
What is the first-line imaging for chest pain or shortness of breath?
Chest X-ray for pneumonia, pneumothorax, or CHF; CTA chest for pulmonary embolism.
What is the imaging of choice for abdominal pain in the ED?
CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast (unless contrast is contraindicated).
What imaging is used for suspected fractures?
X-ray first; CT if fracture is complex or near a joint.
