4.3.1 Imaging

Question 1

Pros of radiography

Answer 1

• Simultaneously see multiple intrathoracic structures
• Simultaneously see pulmonary parenchyma and vasulature
• Shows pulmonary congestion and oedema

Question 2

Cons of radiography

Answer 2

• Can’t distinguish soft tissue from fluid
• Can’t determine enlarged heart chambers

Question 3

How do you determine enlarged cardiac sillhouette from radiograph?

Answer 3

Buchanan score - measures against thoracic vertibrae

Question 4

What is an angiography?

Answer 4

Injection of contrast in circulation to highlight cardiac chambers

Combined with fluorscopy

Question 5

Pros of Echocardiography

Answer 5

• Distinguish soft tissue from fluid
• Determine movement (real-time image)
• Derive functional measurements

Question 6

Cons of echocardiography

Answer 6

• Can’t see through lungs

Question 7

What is doppler echocardiography?

Answer 7

Measures the velocity and direction of blood flow

Higher frequency if RBC move towards the transducer