Radiology investigations Flashcards
What investigation is done for suspected inhaled or ingested foreign bodies e.g. fish bones, coins etc ?
Plain radiogrpah
What is the first line investigation done to assess dysphagia (difficult/discomfort swallowing) ?
Endoscopy
What is the second line investigation done to assess dysphagia if no abnormality seen on endoscopy and in cases of suspected:
- Strictures
- Pharyngeal pouches
- Oesophageal dysmotility
Ba swallow
What problems in ENT is US used mainly for ?
- Neck lumps
- Investigation and FNA of thyroid lumps
- Salivary gland disease
- Inflammatory masses e.g. to identify an abscess
What is the first line investigation for neck lumps ?
US
For thyroid lumps what is used along with US as the first-line investigation of them ?
- FNA
- so first line is US guided FNA
When are FNA’s often performed ? (FNA is used along with US)
In cases of; suspected lymph node malignancy, assessment of masses in salivary glands and evaluation of thyroid lumps
Describe the difference between benign and malignant lymph nodes
- Benign = oval shaped, obvious central fatty hilum, organised vascular supply
- Malignant = round shaped
What are the 2 main types of imaging which can be used to stage cancers of the head and neck ?
CT and MRI
What area of the head and neck is CT scans better for imaging and what area is MRI scans better for imaging ?
- CT - better for larynx
- MRI - better for pathologies of skull base
What is the most standard imaging for cancer staging in ENT?
CT scan of chest and neck
What imaging is used for investigation of sensorineural deafness e.g. due to vestibular schwannoma ?
MRI
What imaging is used to assess conductive hearing loss e.g. due to cholesteatoma ?
CT scan
What is the best imaging for the paranasal sinuses and what is this done before ?
- CT scan
- Done to map out the pathway for the surgeon prior to doing functional endoscopic sinus surgery
