VCA 252 Principles of

Diagnostic Imaging
Dr. LeeAnn Pack
566-0841, 566-0920
Lpack@upei.ca

The Discovery of X rays

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
November 8 1895
While working in his lab - saw the glow
coming from a phosphorescent screen
Imaged his wifes hand
1901 Nobel Prize for Physics

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Radiology/Radiologist
The History
ARRS RSNA
Individuals who looked at plates and
compared them to the sx and autopsy
findings
ACR - Radiologist now with multiple areas
of specialty
ACVR the veterinary college

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THE Journal
Journal which
highlights veterinary
diagnostic imaging

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Forms of Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Radiology/Radiography
X-rays used to produce image, transmitted
through patient
Static images
Dynamic images fluoroscopy
Contrast agents used
Barium, Iodine examples of studies

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Forms of Diagnostic Imaging

Ultrasonography

Uses sound waves to produce image, transmitted

Sending out and listening for echoes
Internal architecture
Dynamic, US can not penetrate air or bone
Operator dependent

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Forms of Diagnostic Imaging

Computed Tomography

Uses X-rays to produce an image, transmitted

Cross sectional imaging
No superimposition of structures
Requires computer manipulation of images

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Forms of Diagnostic Imaging

Nuclear Scintigraphy
Uses gamma rays to produce an image, emitted
from the patient
Radioactive nuclide given IV, per os, per rectum
etc.
Abnormal function, metabolic activity, abnormal
amount of uptake
Poor for anatomical information

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Forms of Diagnostic Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency
waves to image structures
No ionizing radiation
Hydrogen protons water
Cross sectional imaging
Great for soft tissue

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Forms of Diagnostic Imaging

Radiation Therapy
Uses radiation to treat and palliate neoplastic and
some benign diseases
Cobalt
Linear Accelerators
Must have special training

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What is an X ray?
Production of X rays

Form of EM radiation
All forms move at the speed of light
Vary in energy and wavelength
They penetrate matter
Can cause fluorescence of some atoms
Can expose film
Can cause biological damage

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The X ray Tube

Cathode is the electron source
Tungsten filament
Negatively charged concave cup around
filament
Focal spot
Thermonic emission current applied wire
heats up and electrons escape

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The X ray Tube

Anode is the target which electrons strike
Tungsten target
Stationary
Anode in large block of copper lots of heat
Used in portable units

Rotating
Disc rotates which spreads electrons around the
target thus less heat build up
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The X ray Tube

Note the various
components and
remember what they
do.

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Anode Heel Effect

The surface of the anode is angled

Allows for better cooling and maintains detail
X rays on cathode side more intense
How would this be used in practice?

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The Rest

Exit window
Housing
Filtration radiation safety
Collimation

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mAs

Milliampere-second
Milliampere -> current applied to the filament
Seconds -> time current was applied
mAs determines Quantity of X rays

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kVp
Kilovoltage peak
Determines the speed of electrons as they hit
the target
Higher speed -> more power
Higher speed -> increases number of x rays
kVp determines Quality of X rays

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