If a patient has an initial allergic reaction to iodinated contrast media, preparing for a contrast-enhanced CT exam may include premedication with steroids and antihistamines. This reduces the risk of an allergic response during the exam. The specific medications and dosages used may vary depending on the patient's medical history and the severity of their initial reaction. The patient needs to inform their healthcare provider about any prior allergic reactions or medical conditions before undergoing any medical imaging procedure.
Godfrey Hounsfield, an English electrical engineer, is credited with the invention of the CT scanner. He shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1979 for this contribution.
Perfusion CT is a technique used to assess tissue perfusion and blood flow by tracking the passage of contrast material through blood vessels during a CT scan.
Cardiac CT is a specialized type of CT scan used for imaging the coronary arteries and assessing heart structures.
The gantry is the part of the CT scanner that houses the X-ray tube and the detector array. It rotates around the patient during the imaging process.
Hounsfield Units (HU) are used to quantify the density of tissues in CT images. Water is assigned a value of 0 HU, and other substances are assigned values relative to that.
Windowing is a technique used to adjust the range of brightness and contrast levels in CT images, optimizing visualization of different tissue densities.
A patient in shock may exhibit all of the following symptoms:
1. Tachycardia - rapid heart rate: The heart rate increases to maintain blood pressure and circulation.
2. Rapid, shallow breathing: The body tries to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery by increasing the respiratory rate.
3. Cyanosis- discoloured skin {bluish}: The skin and mucous membranes may appear bluish due to decreased oxygen delivery.
Other symptoms that may be present in a patient in shock include low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, confusion, and reduced urine output. These symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the shock. It's important for medical professionals to recognize and quickly address the signs of shock, as it is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
The milliampere-second (mAs) setting is a technical factor that directly affects patient dose during medical imaging procedures.
The normal range of respiration for an adult is 12-20 breaths per minute, with the average being around 16 breaths per minute. However, it's important to note that this range can vary depending on age, health, and activity level. It's always a good idea to consult a medical professional with concerns about your breathing or respiratory rate.
All of the above veins can be common sites for the intravenous injection of iodinated contrast media, depending on the patient's anatomy and the healthcare provider's preference.
Helical (spiral) CT scans allow for continuous image acquisition, resulting in reduced radiation dose compared to conventional step-and-shoot CT scans.
Iodine-based contrast agents are frequently used in CT imaging to enhance visualization of blood vessels and soft tissues due to their ability to absorb X-rays.
Slice increment in CT imaging refers to the gap or interval between consecutive image slices. It affects the level of overlap between slices and can impact image reconstruction.
