Radiology

Signs in Radiology

Cardiac findings in CXR Pear-shaped → Pericardial effusion Boot-shaped → TOF Jug handle → Primary pulmonary hypertension “3”/Rib notching → Coarctation of aorta Egg on string → TOGV Globular-shaped → Hypoplastic left heart syndrome “8”/Snowman → TAPVR Miscellaneous Signs String sign → Pyloric stenosis Shoulder sign → Pyloric stenosis Mushroom sign → Pyloric stenosis Railroad track sign → Pyloric stenosis Doughnut sign (Target...

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Nuclear Scan

HIDA scan Functional test for cholecystitis Bone scan Sensitive for occult metastases in bone Gallium scan Fever of unknown origin Follows iron metabolism, transports on ferritin Indium scan Fever of unknown origin Superior for abdomen Tags WBCs V/Q scan Normal V/Q scan excludes PE No longer the standard of...

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Ultrasonography

US is answer in: Gallbladder Renal disease Except for kidney stone in which CT is most accurate Gynecology Prostate Endoscopic US is most accurate in: Pancreas (head) Pancreatic and biliary ducts Gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison)

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MRI

Most accurate for Any CNS disease except for hemorrhages Demyelinating (MS) Posterior fossa (cerebellum) Brainstem Pituitary lesions Spinal cord and vertebral lesions Facial structures (orbits, sinuses) Bone lesions (osteomyelitis) With cancer and infection, most accurate test in always biopsy   Brain MRI Modes T1 and T2 All about FAT...

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CT Scan

Head CT Non-contrast Best initial for Head trauma (w/ LOC or altered mental status) Stroke Any intracranial bleeding (also most accurate) With contrast Best initial for Any intracranial mass lesion Cancer Infection/Abscess Abdominal CT With IV and oral contrast Best initial for Retroperitoneal structures (pancreas) Intraabdominal infection (appendicitis) Intraabdominal...

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X-Ray

Chest X-Ray PA Best initial for any pulmonary sign or symptom Bowel perforation → Air under diaphragm AP If patient can’t stand up Decubitus Pleural effusion → Mobile fluid after PA Apical lordotic Not good for anything In TB: get chest CT instead Lateral Best initial for effusion Precise location of...

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