Medical Imaging Technology

Producing Images of Organs and Tissues

• Medical imaging allows doctors to see within the human body so that they can diagnose and treat diseases or ailments.

• Today we will be looking at different imaging technologies that doctors can use to look inside the human body

X-Ray

• X-Ray is high energy radiation that can penetrate skin and tissues but that can not penetrate metals and bone

• X-Ray radiographs can be anaylzed for broken bones, structure of blood vessels and arteries, and lungs abnormalities

• Associated risks with X-rays:• Can cause changes and mutationsto DNA lead apron

Fluoroscopy

• Uses a continuous beam of X-Rays to produce images that show movement of organs ex. Stomach, intestine, colon.

• The blood vessels can also be studied, called an angiogram. A dye is injected into the patient, and the blood flow can be seen by the doctor, this will demonstrate any blockages or narrowing of arteries

• Barium or iodine is ingested in to the patient

Ultrasound

• high-frequency sound waves to produce images of body tissues and organs.

• Soundwaves enter the body and are reflected back by internal body structures• Study soft tissue and major organs• Study developing fetus to check for abnormalities• Guides the needle during a biopsy or for amniotic fluid• No documented risks

Computed Tomography (CT)• CT or CAT

• using X-ray equipment to form a three dimensional image from a series of images taken at different angles of the body

• Diagnose cancer, abnormalities to skeletal system, vascular diseases• Image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at same time, and is a

quick and painless process• CT of head can detect bleeding of brain

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body

• Image structure and function of brain, heart and liver, soft tissues and insides of bones

• Diagnose cancer, brain diseases, and cardiovascular conditions

• No documented risks

Biophotonics

• uses the interactions of light with cells and tissues.• Light shines on cells, the particles of light are scattered by atoms

in the molecules of the cells. A special imaging device records these scatter patterns. The molecules in abnormal cells create different scatter patterns than normal cells.  

• Use endoscope to explore digestive tract (colonoscopy)• endoscopic surgeries require smaller incisions and shorter

recovery

Decisions and Diagnosis

• Factors involved for appropriate treatment:• Doctor ordering correct test• Patient understanding the reasoning of the test• Technician administering the test correctly• Proper funding• Location

Questions

• What is an angiogram• What are some limitations with the use of X-ray

technologies• How are x-rays used in the treatment of cancer?• What information can be provided by a chest radiograph?• A patient is suspected of having bone cancer. Explain

whether or not ultrasound is a good imaging tool for diagnosing bone cancer.

Public health strategies

Immunization Programs:• vaccinations or immunizations: protects individuals and

societies as a whole.• Influenza, H1N1, mumps, measles, polio, tetanus, rubella,

HPV • HIV/AIDS vaccine development over 33 million people are

infected with HIVScreening Programs:• DNA Screening: identify people who have high risk factors,

early detection• DNA screen in search of genetic markers which signal

disease

Public health strategies

Promoting Health Lifestyles:• Smoke free environments • proper diet, Canadian Food guide, encouraging physical

activity, weight control

Public health strategies

Promoting Public Awareness:• Protecting from sun and reducing skin cancer – sunscreen

lotion for UV ray protection, hats, sun glasses, long clothing

• West Nile virus – minimize exposure to mosquitoes during active periods, remove sources of standing water, DEET

• Informing public of statistics such as rates of occurrence leads to more public awareness and precautionary measures.

Questions

• What is the most commonly administered vaccine in Ontario?

• Define HIV and AIDS and show the relationship between the two terms

• Explain what might happen to you if you were bitten by a mosquito carrying the west Nile virus

• Describe some public health strategies used to promote healthy living in Ontario.