Uploaded for Impact of Social Technology Class, Georgian College Summer 2013

1. Technology Will Save
Our Minds and Bodies
By: Lisa-Marie De Buono

2. Medical Imaging: Illuminating the
Body

4. The History of Medical Imaging
 Up until fifty years ago, X-ray was the only non surgical
means to extract information within a living body (Hoehn
& Marieb, 2010).
 In the 1950’s, nuclear medicine (radioisotopes to scan
the body) and ultrasound technology (which incorporates
sound waves) was created (Hoehn & Marieb, 2010) .
 The 1970’s brought CT, PET and MRI scans. This more
modern technology reveals structure and molecules with
the body (Hoehn & Marieb, 2010).

5. The X-Ray
 Is a negative image of internal structures. Dense structures in the body
absorb the rays the most and appear as light areas (Hoehn & Marieb,
2010).
 Hollow air containing organs and fat show up on an X-ray as a dark
area (Hoehn & Marieb, 2010).
 Pros: Visualizes hard, bony structures and locates abnormally dense
structures (ex. tumours and tuberculosis nodules) in the lungs, is simple
, has excellent bone contrast and is inexpensive (Queens University,
2008).
 Cons: Radiation from X-ray can be harmful to patient, loss of shape and
depth of objects, poor soft tissue contrast and delay between shots and
seeing films (Queens University, 2008).

6. Nuclear Medicine Imaging
 Radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) which are tagged with
radioactive material to treat or diagnose disease are injected into
patients. The radioactive materials emit gamma rays which can be
detected on a special camera, creating a nuclear image (St. Michael’s
Hospital, 2013).
 Pros: 100 different nuclear medicines and tests available, can measure
the degree of organ function and is often able to detect disease for
early diagnosis (St. Michael’s Hospital, 2013).
 Cons: Radiation can potentially be harmful for the patient (St. Michael’s
Hospital, 2013).

7. Ultrasound Imaging
 Uses high frequency sound waves that pass through the body.
Sound waves are reflected or bounced off internal organs and
tissues. The waves are then recorded and displayed via computer.
Can be used to view the abdomen, heart, blood flow, pregnancy,
muscles, tendons, and soft tissue (ACRIN, 2013).
 Pros: Non-invasive, uses no radiation, guides minimally invasive
procedures using real time imaging (ex. Needle biopsies), is easy to
use and widely available (ACRIN, 2013).
 Cons: No known risks (ACRIN, 2013).

8. Computed Tomography (CT)
 A more refined version of X-ray technology. Patient is moved slowly
through a CT machine. It’s X-ray tube rotates around the body and
sends beams from all directions. The computer then translates this
information into a detailed cross sectional picture of each body
region scanned (Hoehn & Marieb, 2010).
 Pros: Able to help diagnose most problems that affect the brain and
abdomen, has almost eliminated exploratory surgery , non-invasive,
quick, shows bone changes better than any other scanning
equipment, provides images of soft tissue and blood vessels
(Radiology Info, 2013) .
 Cons: Radiation can be harmful (Radiology Info, 2013).

9. Positron Emission Tomography
(PET )
 A more advanced nuclear medicine imaging, PET observes metabolic
processes. Patient is given an injection of radioisotopes tagged to
biological molecules and is then positioned in the scanner. Gamma rays
are produced in the brain and the computer is then able to generate a
live action picture of the brains biochemical activity. PET can provide
insight into brain activity in those with mental illness, stroke, Alzheimer's
disease and epilepsy (Hoehn & Marieb, 2010)..
 Pros: insight into the brains of those diagnosed with diseases which
affect the brain, is able to also detect changes in the brains of those
who are not yet diagnosed ( identifies area of decreased metabolism in
crucial memory- suggesting eventual Alzheimer's), and determines
which areas of the healthy brain are most active (Hoehn & Marieb,
2010).
 Cons: Radiation may affect patient (Hoehn & Marieb, 2010).

11. Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI
)
 Produces high contrast images of our soft tissues. MRI maps the
body's content of hydrogen. The patient lies in a chamber within a
huge magnet, energy released by the hydrogen molecules and is
translated into a visual image (Hoehn & Marieb, 2010).
 Pros: Easily captures views of the skull and vertebral column, great
at detecting tumours and degenerative disease (Hoehn & Marieb,
2010).
 Cons: Radiation may cause harm to patients (Hoehn & Marieb,
2010).

12. Upcoming!
Watch for Magnetic Resonance
Spectroscopy (MRS) to come to a hospital
near you! This technology reveals how
diseases changes the chemistry of our
body.

13. Conclusion
Medical imaging is changing the way
we think, learn and discover disease
and illness. Most importantly, medical
imaging is saving and improving lives
each day.

14. References
 American College of Radiology Imaging Network.(2013). About
Ultrasound Scans. Retrieved from
http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGEN
TS/ABOUTULTRASOUNDSCANS.aspx
 Hoehn, K. & Marieb, E. Human Anatomy & Physiology (8th Ed.).
(2010). San Francisco: Pearson
 Queen’s University.(2008). X-ray Imaging. Retrieved from
http://research.cs.queensu.ca/home/comp230/Lectures/X-ray/X-
ray.pdf
 Radiology Info.(2013). Pros, Cons and Side Effects of a CT Scan
What are the Benefits of a CT Scan? Retrieved from
http://www.radiology-info.org/computed-tomography/pros-cons-side-
effects-ct-scan-what-are-benefits-ct--scan.html
 St. Michaels.(2013). Medical Imagining. Retrieved from
http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/programs/imaging/nuclear/