What is radiography and what results does the examination give? X-ray of the stomach and small intestine The principle of obtaining an X-ray


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Radiography is one of the most effective methods diagnostics various diseases tissues and organs of the human body. In this case, the research is based on the unique properties of X-rays, which easily pass through a dense opaque medium and are absorbed by it to varying degrees.

Thus, our organs, which differ in density and chemical composition, absorb X-rays with different intensities, which affects the natural contrasts of the resulting images.

It is thanks to these features of X-rays and the human body that it is possible to conduct radiographic examination of various organs without special preparatory work. Any type of x-ray requires a qualified interpretation. Therefore, only specialist radiologists are able to correctly “read” the received images and make the correct diagnosis.

Type of radiography

Currently, the following types of radiography are distinguished:

  • : carried out to detect diseases such as tuberculosis and malignant tumors;
  • X-ray of the stomach: identifying ulcers, polyps, various malignant neoplasms; urography: examine the kidneys and urinary tract;
  • irrigoscopy: diagnosis of the colon;
  • Mammography: detection of breast diseases;
  • radiography of cranial bones (temporal); and other bones of the human skeleton, as well as joints; X-ray of the jaw bone (teeth), including panoramic ones (using an orthopantomograph);
  • X-ray of the paranasal sinuses: detection of sinusitis.

You can make an appointment to have an x-ray done. The resulting images are given to patients personally on the day of treatment.

Preparation

Some types of x-rays require special training to be most effective. For: three days before the examination, you must strictly follow a diet (exclude all gas-forming foods), and on the day of the procedure, do a cleansing enema. At the same time, be sure to eat porridge for breakfast.

Urography is performed only after consultation with a radiologist. 15 minutes before the procedure, you need to drink a large amount of water (if the patient wishes, the doctor can introduce a special substance).

Mammography should be performed from 6 to 12 days menstrual cycle.

On the day of the stomach x-ray, you should not eat anything, since the procedure is performed on an empty stomach.

I regularly go to the dentist, where they constantly take x-rays of the oral cavity. But a gynecologist can’t do without an ultrasound... How dangerous are these studies and what are they needed for?

I. Krysova, Izhevsk

X-ray

On one side of the person there is a source of X-ray radiation, on the other there is photographic film, which displays how the rays pass through different tissues and organs.

When to use. For determining bone fractures, lung diseases, in dentistry and neurology. X-ray machines are used during heart surgery to monitor the process in real time.

Mammography

It is also based on X-rays.

When to use. For breast examination. There are mammograms for screening - preventive examinations. And diagnostic mammographs are used if there is already a suspicion of breast cancer. Such a device can immediately take a sample of the tumor to determine its malignancy - do a biopsy. Modern devices with microdose characteristics reduce the level of radiation exposure by 2 times.

CT

This is also a type of x-ray, but pictures of the body are taken from different angles. The computer produces three-dimensional images of a body part or internal organ. A detailed image of the entire body can be obtained in one procedure. A modern spectral tomograph will independently determine the types of tissues and show them in different colors.

When to use. In case of injuries - to comprehensively assess the extent of damage. In oncology - to find tumors and metastases.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound waves are reflected differently by muscles, joints, and blood vessels. The computer converts the signal into a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image.

When to use. For diagnosis in cardiology, oncology, obstetrics and gynecology. The device shows internal organs in real time. This is the safest method.

MRI

Creates an electromagnetic field, detects the saturation of tissues with hydrogen and transmits this data to the screen. Unlike CT, MRI does not have radiation, but it also produces three-dimensional images in 3D. MRI visualizes soft tissue well.

When to use. If you need to examine the brain, spine, abdominal cavity, joints (including operations under MRI control, so as not to affect important areas of the brain - for example, those responsible for speech).

Expert opinions

Ilya Gipp, Ph.D., Head of MRI-guided therapy:

Many of these devices can be used for treatment. For example, a special installation is attached to an MRI machine. It focuses ultrasound waves inside the body, increasing the temperature in a targeted manner, and burns out tumors - for example, uterine fibroids.

Kirill Shalyaev, director of the largest Dutch manufacturer of medical equipment:

What seemed impossible yesterday is reality today. Previously, during CT scans, a drug was administered to slow down the heart. The latest computed tomography scanners make 4 revolutions per second - thanks to this there is no need to slow down the heart.

What radiation doses do we receive*
Action Dose in mSv** Over what period of time will we receive this radiation in nature?
X-ray of a hand 0,001 Less than 1 day
X-ray of a hand using the very first machine in 1896. 1,5 5 months
Fluorography 0,06 30 days
Mammography 0,6 2 months
Mammography with MicroDose characteristic 0,03 3 days
Whole body CT scan 10 3 years
Live in a brick or concrete house for a year 0,08 40 days
Annual norm from all natural radiation sources 2,4 1 year
Dose received by liquidators of the Chernobyl accident 200 60 years
Acute radiation sickness 1000 300 years
Epicenter of a nuclear explosion, death on the spot 50 000 15 thousand years
*According to Philips
** Microsievert (mSv) is a unit of measurement of ionizing radiation. One sievert is the amount of energy absorbed by a kilogram of biological tissue.

X-ray examination I

used to study the structure and functions of organs in normal and pathological conditions. Allows you to diagnose, determine the localization and extent of identified pathological changes, as well as their dynamics during the treatment process.

The study is based on the fact that x-ray radiation, passing through organs and tissues, is absorbed by them to an unequal extent, which makes it possible to obtain their image on a special screen or radiographic film. The difference in the optical density of adjacent areas of the image on the radiograph (or the difference in the brightness of the fluorescent screen) determines the images. Many organs and tissues of the body, differing in density and chemical composition, absorb differently, which determines the natural contrast of the resulting image. Thanks to this, R. and. bones and joints, lungs, heart and some other organs can be performed without special preparation. For research gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, bronchi, vessels, the natural contrast of which is insufficient, they resort to artificial contrast: special harmless X-ray contrast agents are introduced into them, which absorb much more strongly (barium sulfate, organic compounds iodine) or weaker (gas) than the structure under study. For the purpose of artificial contrast of organs and tissues, they are taken orally (for example, with R. and. stomach), introduced into the bloodstream (for example, with urography), into the cavities or tissues surrounding (for example, with ligamentography), or directly into the cavity (lumen ) or organ parenchyma (for example, with maxillary sinusography, bronchography, hepatography). At fluoroscopy (X-ray) intense shadows on the screen correspond to dense organs and tissues, lighter shadows refer to less dense formations containing gas, i.e. the image is positive ( rice. 1, a ). On radiographs, the ratio of darkening and clearing is the opposite, i.e. negative image ( rice. 1, b ). When describing photographs, they always proceed from the relationships inherent in a positive image, i.e. Light areas on x-rays are called shadows, dark areas are called clearings.

Choice optimal method depends on diagnostic task in each specific case. to R. and. determined by the patient’s condition and the specifics of the specific method of R. and. (for example, contraindicated in acute inflammatory diseases respiratory tract).

X-ray examination is carried out in X-ray rooms. When examining persons those in serious condition (for example, shock or injuries requiring emergency interventions), R. and. carried out directly in the intensive care unit or in the operating room using ward or dressing X-ray units. According to indications, it is possible to examine patients in dressing rooms, emergency departments, hospital wards, etc.

The study, depending on the direction of the X-ray beam in relation to the plane of the body, is carried out mainly in direct, lateral and oblique projections. With direct projection ( rice. 2, a, b ) is directed sagittally, i.e. perpendicular to the frontal plane of the body. With the anterior direct (dorsoventral) projection, the radiation source is located behind the subject, and the film is adjacent to the front surface of the body; with the posterior direct (ventrodorsal) projection, the location of the radiation source and receiver is reversed. With a lateral projection (left or right), the central ray passes perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the body, i.e. along its frontal plane ( rice. 2, c, d ). Oblique projections are characterized by the direction of the central ray at an angle to the frontal and sagittal planes ( rice. 2, d, f, g, h ). There are four oblique projections - right and left anterior and right and left posterior. In some cases, with R. and. it is necessary to use additional projections obtained by rotating the patient around one axis (usually longitudinal). Such a study is called multi-projection. If this is not enough, the patient is also rotated around other axes (see Polypositional study). When studying a number of anatomical formations, such as the orbit, the middle ear, special projections are used - axial (the central ray is directed along the axis of the organ), tangential (the central ray is directed tangentially to the surface of the organ), etc.

X-ray examination usually begins with fluoroscopy (fluoroscopy) or radiography (X-ray). Examine using fluoroscopy motor function some internal organs (heart, stomach, intestines, etc.), determine the displacement of pathological formations during palpation or changing the patient’s position, etc., which has high resolution, makes it possible to more clearly and clearly display the structures of the body.

Fluoroscopy constitutes a group of general radiological methods. They also form the basis of private and special radiological methods based on the use of special techniques and technical means resorted to in order to obtain additional information about the function and structure of the organ under study. Private methods include Teleradiography and Electroradiography, Tomography, Fluorography, etc. To record the movements of organs (for example, the heart, lungs, diaphragm), fluoroscopy is used using video magnetic recording of the image. Special methods (Bronchography, Cholegraphy, Urography, Angiography, etc.) are intended to study a specific system, organ or part thereof, usually after artificial contrast. They are used according to strict indications only in cases where simpler methods do not provide the necessary diagnostic results.

Sometimes preliminary preparation of the patient is necessary, ensuring the quality of R. and., reducing those associated with the study discomfort, preventing the development of complications. So, before carrying out R. and. colon cleansing is prescribed; if necessary, during R. and. puncture of a vessel or duct using local anesthesia; before the introduction of some radiopaque agents, hyposensitizing drugs are prescribed; for clearer identification during the study functional state different organs can be used medications(stimulating peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing sphincters, etc.).

Analysis obtained during R. and. information consists of several successive stages: selection radiological symptoms, interpretation of the x-ray picture, comparison of x-ray data with the results of clinical and previous x-ray studies, differential diagnosis and formulation of the final conclusion.

Complications associated with the use of R. and. are rare. They mainly arise during artificial contrasting of cavities, organs and systems of the body and manifest themselves allergic reactions, acute respiratory distress, collapse, reflex disorders of cardiac activity, embolism, damage to organs and tissues. The vast majority of complications develop during the study or in the first 30 min after its completion. Complications in the form of radiation damage (Radiation damage) with strict observance of all rules of anti-radiation protection (anti-radiation protection) are not observed. They can arise only in case of gross violation of the rules for working with sources of ionizing radiation (operation of faulty equipment, violation of research methods, refusal to use personal protective equipment, etc.). Protection from radiation of patients and personnel is achieved by proper layout of the X-ray room, limiting the irradiation field by the size of the area under study and shielding the area where the genital organs are located, using additional filtration of the primary radiation beam and personal protective equipment, etc.

X-ray examination of children. The main method of R. and. children, especially newborns, is radiography. It is accompanied by less radiation exposure to the patient and at the same time allows one to obtain fairly complete and objective information about the organ being studied. When examining older children, radiography is supplemented with fluoroscopy, with preference given to X-ray television examination, which allows reducing radiation exposure. It is not possible to conduct most of the special studies in children. For restraining children early age During the examination, appropriate devices and devices are used in the optimal position. Areas of the body that are not subject to examination are shielded with lead rubber or a protective screen. Mass fluorographic examinations of children under 12 years of age are prohibited.

Bibliography: Zedgenidze G.A. and Osipkova T.A. Emergency in children, L., 1980, bibliogr.; Kishkovsky A.N. and Tyutin L.A. Methods and equipment of electroradiography, M., 1982; Lindenbraten L.D. and Naumov L.B. Methods of X-ray examination of human organs and systems, Tashkent, 1976.

X-ray image of the hand is normal: positive image observed during fluoroscopy (dense tissue corresponds to darker areas of the image)">

Rice. 1a). X-ray image of the hand is normal: a positive image observed during fluoroscopy (dense tissue corresponds to darker areas of the image).

Rice. 2. Standard x-ray projections: a - anterior line; b - back straight; c - left side; g - right lateral; d - right anterior oblique; e - left anterior oblique; g - right posterior oblique; h - left posterior oblique; 1 - X-ray source; 2 - cross section of the subject’s body; 3 - spine; 4 - radiation receiver; F - frontal plane, the dotted line indicates the central ray of the radiation beam.

II X-ray examination

in medicine - study of morphological and functional features human organs and systems, incl. for the purpose of diagnosing diseases, based on obtaining and analyzing x-ray images of relevant areas of the body.

1. Small medical encyclopedia. - M.: Medical encyclopedia. 1991-96 2. First health care. - M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. 1994 3. encyclopedic Dictionary medical terms. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. - 1982-1984.

See what “X-ray examination” is in other dictionaries:

    X-ray examination- 25. X-ray examination is the use of x-rays to examine a patient for the purpose of diagnosis and/or prevention of diseases, consisting of one or more x-ray procedures. Source … Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

    X-ray examination

    Examination of an x-ray. Radiology is a branch of radiology that studies the effects on the human body of x-ray radiation arising from this disease and pathological conditions, their treatment and prevention, as well as methods... ... Wikipedia

    X-ray examination of the chest organs- rus X-ray examination(c) chest organs eng chest radiography fra radiographie (f) thoracique deu Thoraxröntgen (n), Thoraxröntgenaufnahme (f) spa radiografía (f) torácica … Occupational safety and health. Translation into English, French, German, Spanish

    Study of the morphological and functional characteristics of human organs and systems, including for the purpose of diagnosing diseases, based on obtaining and analyzing x-ray images of the relevant areas of the body... Large medical dictionary

    See Tomography... Large medical dictionary

    I Polypositional study (Greek poly many + Lat. positio installation, position) is a method of x-ray examination in which, by changing the position of the patient’s body, optimal projections of the organ being studied are obtained. When changing position... ... Medical encyclopedia

    X-ray examination- rus X-ray examination(c), radiographic examination (c); X-ray examination (с) eng X ray examination, radiological examination fra examen (m) radiologique deu Röntgenuntersuchung (f) spa examen (m) con rayos X,… … Occupational safety and health. Translation into English, French, German, Spanish

Radiography

In 1918, the first X-ray clinic was created in Russia. Radiography is used to diagnose everything more diseases. Lung radiography is actively developing. In 1921, the first X-ray dental office was opened in Petrograd. Research is being actively carried out and X-ray machines are being improved. The Soviet government is allocating funds to launch the production of X-ray equipment in Russia. Radiology and equipment production are reaching a global level.

Currently, radiography remains the main method for diagnosing lesions. osteoarticular system. Plays an important role in lung examination, especially as a screening method. Contrast radiography methods make it possible to assess the state of the internal relief of hollow organs, the prevalence of fistulous tracts, etc.

Application

In medicine

Radiography is used for diagnosis: X-ray examination (hereinafter referred to as X-ray) of organs allows us to clarify the shape of these organs, their position, tone, peristalsis, and the state of the relief of the mucous membrane.

  • RI of the stomach and duodenum(duodenography) is important for recognizing gastritis, ulcerative lesions and tumors.
  • RI of the gallbladder (cholecystography) and biliary tract (cholegraphy) is carried out to assess the contours, size, lumen of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, the presence or absence of stones, and clarify the concentration and contractile functions of the gallbladder.
  • RI of the colon (irrigoscopy) is used to identify tumors, polyps, diverticula and intestinal obstruction.
  • chest radiography - infectious, tumor and other diseases,
  • spine - degenerative-dystrophic (osteochondrosis, spondylosis, curvature), infectious and inflammatory ( different kinds spondylitis), tumor diseases.
  • various parts of the peripheral skeleton - for various traumatic (fractures, dislocations), infectious and tumor changes.
  • abdominal cavity - organ perforation, kidney function (excretory urography) and other changes.
  • Metrosalpingography is a contrast X-ray examination of the uterine cavity and the patency of the fallopian tubes.
  • teeth - orthopantomography

Under restoration

Acquiring an image

X-ray recording technique

Obtaining an image is based on the attenuation of X-ray radiation as it passes through various tissues and its subsequent recording on X-ray sensitive film. As a result of passing through formations of different densities and compositions, the radiation beam is scattered and decelerated, and therefore an image is formed on the film varying degrees intensity. As a result, the film produces an averaged, summation image of all tissues (shadow). It follows from this that in order to obtain an adequate x-ray, it is necessary to study radiologically heterogeneous formations.

In modern digital devices, the output radiation can be recorded on a special film cassette or on an electronic matrix. Devices with an electronic sensitive matrix are much more expensive than analog devices. In this case, films are printed only when necessary, and the diagnostic image is displayed on the monitor and, in some systems, stored in the database along with other patient data.

Principles of radiography

For diagnostic radiography, it is necessary to take pictures in at least two projections. This is due to the fact that an x-ray is a flat image of a three-dimensional object. And as a consequence, the localization of the detected pathological focus can be established only using 2 projections.

Image acquisition technique

The quality of the resulting x-ray image is determined by 3 main parameters. The voltage supplied to the X-ray tube, the current strength and the operating time of the tube. Depending on the anatomical formations being studied and the weight and dimensions of the patient, these parameters can vary significantly. There are averages for different organs and tissues, but it should be borne in mind that the actual values ​​will differ depending on the apparatus where the study is carried out and the patient for whom radiography is performed. An individual table of values ​​is compiled for each device. These values ​​are not absolute and are adjusted as the study progresses. The quality of the images taken largely depends on the ability of the x-ray technician to adequately adapt the table of average values ​​to a specific patient.

Recording an image

The most common way to record an X-ray image is to record it on X-ray sensitive film and then develop it. Currently, there are also systems that provide digital recording of data. Due to the high cost and complexity of manufacturing, this type of equipment is inferior in prevalence to analog.

Analog

There are the following options for obtaining images using X-ray film.

One of the previously used methods for obtaining usable density images is overexposure followed by underexposure, made during visual inspection. Currently this method considered obsolete and not widely used around the world.

Another way is adequate exposure (which is more difficult) and full development. With the first method, the X-ray load on the patient is overestimated, but with the second, it may become necessary to take repeated photographs. The advent of on-screen preview of a computerized X-ray machine with a digital matrix and automatic developing machines reduces the need and possibility of using the first method.

It should also be noted that the quality of the image is reduced by dynamic blur. That is, the blurring of the image is associated with the movement of the patient during irradiation. Secondary radiation poses a certain problem; it is formed as a result of the reflection of X-ray radiation from various objects. To filter scattered radiation, filtration gratings are used, consisting of alternating strips of X-ray transparent and X-ray opaque material. This filter filters out secondary radiation, but it also weakens the central beam, which requires a large dose of radiation to obtain an adequate image. The question of the need to use filter grids is decided depending on the size of the patient and the organ being x-rayed.

Many modern X-ray films have very low intrinsic X-ray sensitivity and are designed for use with intensifying fluorescent screens that emit blue or green visible light when irradiated with X-rays. Such screens, along with the film, are placed in a cassette, which, after the image is taken, is removed from the X-ray machine and then the film is developed. Film development can be done in several ways.

  • Fully automatic when a cassette is inserted into the machine, after which the developing machine removes the film, develops it, dries it and refills a new one.
  • Semi-automatically, when the film is removed and loaded manually, and the developing machine only develops and dries the film.
  • Completely manually, when development takes place in tanks, the film is removed, refilled, and developed by an X-ray technician.

For X-ray image analysis, an analog X-ray image is recorded on an illuminating device with a bright screen - a negatoscope.

Digital

Resolution

Resolution reaches 0.5 mm (1 pair of lines per millimeter corresponds to 2 pixels/mm).

One of the highest film resolutions is considered to be “26 pairs of lines per mm,” which approximately corresponds to a resolution of 0.02 mm.

Preparing the patient for x-ray examination

Special preparation of patients for x-ray examination is generally not required, however, the following preparation methods are available for examination of the digestive organs:

  • Previously, special diets were carried out, foods that contributed to flatulence were excluded from the diet, and a cleansing enema was performed, but now it is generally accepted that RI of the stomach and duodenum of patients with normal intestinal function does not require any preparation. However, in case of severe flatulence and persistent constipation, a cleansing enema is performed 2 hours before the test. If present in the patient's stomach large quantity liquid, mucus, food debris, gastric lavage is performed 3 hours before the test
  • Before cholecystography, the possibility of flatulence is also excluded and a radiopaque iodine-containing drug is used (cholevid, iopagnost 1 g per 20 kg of live weight). The drug enters the liver and accumulates in the gallbladder. To determine the contractility of the gallbladder, the patient is given more choleretic agent- 2 raw egg yolks or 20 g of sorbitol.
  • Before cholegraphy, the patient is injected intravenously with a contrast agent (bilignost, bilitrast, etc.), which contrasts the bile ducts.
  • Before irrigography, it is carried out using a contrast enema (BaSO 4 at the rate of 400 g per 1600 ml of water). On the eve of the study, the patient is given 30 g castor oil, in the evening they give a cleansing enema. The patient does not eat dinner, the next day a light breakfast, two cleansing enemas, a contrast enema.

Benefits of radiography

  • Wide availability of the method and ease of research.
  • Most tests do not require special patient preparation.
  • Relatively low cost of research.
  • The images can be used for consultation with another specialist or in another institution (unlike ultrasound images, where a repeat examination is necessary, since the resulting images are operator-dependent).

Disadvantages of radiography

  • “Frozenness” of the image is the difficulty of assessing organ function.
  • The presence of ionizing radiation that can cause harmful effects on the organism under study.
  • The information content of classical radiography is significantly lower than such modern methods medical imaging, such as CT, MRI, etc. Conventional X-ray images reflect the projection layering of complex anatomical structures, that is, their summation X-ray shadow, in contrast to the layer-by-layer series of images obtained by modern tomographic methods.
  • Without the use of contrast agents, radiography is practically uninformative for analyzing changes in soft tissues.

see also

Notes

Links

Manufacturers of medical solutions in the field of radiography Practical radiography
  • Successful intraoral radiography - typical errors, their causes and solutions.

Literature

  • Kishkovsky A.N., Tyutin L.A., Esinovskaya G.N. Atlas of placements for X-ray examinations. - Leningrad: Medicine, 1987. - 520 p.
  • Lindenbraten L.D. Korolyuk I.P. Medical radiology (fundamentals) radiology diagnostics and radiation therapy). - 2nd revised and expanded. - Moscow: Medicine, 2000. - P. 77-79. - 672 s. - ISBN 5-225-04403-4

X-rays are related to special type electromagnetic oscillations that are created in the X-ray machine tube during a sudden stop of electrons. X-ray is a procedure that many people are familiar with, but some want to know more about it. What is an X-ray? How are x-rays done?

X-ray properties

IN medical practice The following X-ray properties have been used:

  • Huge penetrating power. X-rays successfully pass through various tissues of the human body.
  • X-rays cause light reflection of individual chemical elements. This property underlies fluoroscopy.
  • Photochemical exposure to ionizing rays makes it possible to create informative images from a diagnostic point of view.
  • X-ray radiation has an ionizing effect.

During an X-ray scan various organs, tissues and structures act as targets for x-rays. During a minor radioactive load, metabolism may be disrupted, and with prolonged exposure to radiation, acute or chronic radiation sickness may occur.

X-ray machine

X-ray machines are devices that are used not only in diagnostic and medicinal purposes in medicine, but also in various fields of industry (flaw detectors), as well as in other areas of human life.

X-ray machine design:

  • emitter tubes (lamp) - one or more pieces;
  • a power supply device that supplies the device with electricity and regulates radiation parameters;
  • tripods that make it easier to control the device;
  • X-ray to visible image converters.

X-ray machines are divided into several groups depending on how they are designed and where they are used:

  • stationary – they are usually equipped in rooms in radiology departments and clinics;
  • mobile – intended for use in surgery and traumatology departments, in wards intensive care and outpatient;
  • portable, dental (used by dentists).

As X-rays pass through the human body, they are projected onto film. However, the angle of reflection of the waves may be different and this affects the image quality. The bones are best visible in the photographs - bright white. This is because calcium absorbs X-rays the most.

Types of diagnostics

In medical practice, X-rays have found application in the following diagnostic methods:

  • Fluoroscopy is an examination method in which, in the past, the organs being examined were projected onto a screen coated with a fluorescent compound. In the process, it was possible to study the organ from different angles in dynamics. And thanks to modern digital processing, the finished video image is immediately obtained on the monitor or displayed on paper.
  • Radiography is the main type of examination. The patient is given a film with a fixed image of the examined organ or part of the body.
  • X-ray and fluoroscopy with contrast. This type of diagnosis is indispensable when examining hollow organs and soft tissues.
  • Fluorography is an examination with small-format X-ray images, which allow it to be used en masse during preventive examinations of the lungs.
  • CT scan(CT) is a diagnostic method that allows a detailed study of the human body through a combination of X-rays and digital processing. Computer reconstruction of layer-by-layer X-ray images takes place. Of all the methods of radiation diagnostics, this is the most informative.

X-rays are used not only for diagnosis, but also for therapy. Widely used in the treatment of cancer patients radiation therapy.

In case of provision emergency care The patient initially undergoes a plain radiography

The following types of X-ray examination are distinguished:

  • spine and peripheral parts of the skeleton;
  • chest;
  • abdominal cavity;
  • a detailed image of all teeth with jaws, adjacent parts of the facial skeleton;
  • checking the patency of the fallopian tubes using x-rays;
  • X-ray examination of the breast with a low dose of radiation;
  • X-ray contrast examination of the stomach and duodenum;
  • diagnosis of the gallbladder and ducts using contrast;
  • examination of the colon with retrograde injection of a radiocontrast agent into it.

Abdominal x-rays are divided into plain x-rays and procedures performed with contrast. Fluoroscopy has been widely used to determine pathologies in the lung. X-ray examination of the spine, joints and other parts of the skeleton is a very popular diagnostic method.

Neurologists, traumatologists and orthopedists cannot give their patients an accurate diagnosis without using this type of examination. X-ray shows spinal hernia, scoliosis, various microtraumas, disorders of the osseous-ligamentous apparatus (pathologies of a healthy foot), fractures (of the wrist joint) and much more.

Preparation

Most of Diagnostic procedures involving the use of X-rays do not require special training, but there are exceptions. If an examination of the stomach, intestines or lumbosacral spine is planned, then 2-3 days before the x-ray you need to follow a special diet that reduces flatulence and fermentation processes.

When examining the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to do cleansing enemas in the classical way using an Esmarch mug on the eve of diagnosis and directly on the day of the examination or to cleanse the intestines using pharmaceutical laxatives (oral medications or microenemas).

When examining the abdominal organs, you should not eat, drink, or smoke at least 3 hours before the procedure. Before going for a mammogram, you should visit a gynecologist. An X-ray examination of the breast should be performed at the beginning of the menstrual cycle after the end of menstruation. If a woman who is planning a breast examination has implants, then she must inform the radiologist about this.

Carrying out

Upon entering the X-ray room, he must remove items of clothing or jewelry that contain metal, and also leave them outside the room. mobile phone. Typically, the patient is asked to undress to the waist if being examined rib cage or peritoneum. If it is necessary to perform an x-ray of the extremities, the patient can remain in clothes. All parts of the body that are not subject to diagnosis must be covered with a protective lead apron.

Pictures can be taken in various positions. But most often the patient stands or lies down. If a series of images from different angles is needed, the radiologist gives commands to the patient to change body position. If an x-ray of the stomach is performed, the patient will need to take the Trendelenburg position.

This is a special pose in which the pelvic organs are slightly above the head. As a result of the manipulations, negatives are obtained, which show light areas of denser structures and dark areas indicating the presence of soft tissues. Deciphering and analysis of each area of ​​the body is performed according to certain rules.


Children often have x-rays taken to check for hip dysplasia.

Frequency

The maximum permissible effective dose of radiation is 15 mSv per year. As a rule, only people who need regular X-ray monitoring (after severe injuries). If during the year the patient only undergoes fluorography, mammography and x-rays at the dentist, then he can be completely calm, since his radiation exposure will not exceed 1.5 mSv.

Acute radiation sickness can only occur if a person receives a single dose of 1000 mSv. But if this is not a liquidator at a nuclear power plant, then in order to receive such a radiation dose, the patient must undergo 25 thousand fluorographs and a thousand x-rays spine. And this is nonsense.

The same radiation doses that a person receives during standard examinations, even if they are increased in quantity, are not capable of having a noticeable negative effect on the body. Therefore, x-rays can be taken as often as required. medical indications. However, this principle does not apply to pregnant women.

X-rays are contraindicated for them at any stage, especially in the first trimester, when the formation of all organs and systems in the fetus occurs. If circumstances force a woman to have an X-ray while carrying a child (serious injuries during an accident), then they try to use maximum protective measures for the abdomen and pelvic organs. During breastfeeding, women are allowed to have both x-rays and fluorography.

Moreover, according to many experts, she does not even need to express milk. Fluorography is not performed on young children. This procedure is permissible from the age of 15. As for X-ray diagnostics in pediatrics, they resort to it, but take into account that children have increased radiosensitivity to ionizing radiation(on average 2–3 times higher than adults), which creates a high risk for them of both somatic and genetic effects of radiation.

Contraindications

Fluoroscopy and radiography of organs and structures of the human body have not only many indications, but also a number of contraindications:

  • tuberculosis in active form;
  • endocrine pathologies thyroid gland;
  • general serious condition of the patient;
  • carrying a child at any stage;
  • for radiography using contrast – lactation period;
  • serious disturbances in the functioning of the heart and kidneys;
  • internal bleeding;
  • individual intolerance to contrast agents.

Nowadays, X-rays can be taken in many medical centers. If radiographic or fluoroscopic examination is done on digital complexes, then the patient can count on a lower radiation dose. But even digital x-ray can be considered safe only if the permissible frequency of the procedure is not exceeded.