Neuroradiology
Natasha Wehrli, MS4
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Q: What is radiology?

Answer (from Wikipedia): Radiology is the
branch of medical science dealing with the
medical use of radiation devices and other forms
of energy for the purpose of obtaining visual
information as part of medical imaging.
Interventional radiology is the performance of
medical procedures with the help of medical
imaging.
 My answer: the coolest field of medicine ever!
What is a neuroradiologist?

A neuroradiologist is a radiologist who
specializes in the use of x-rays and other
scanning devices for the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases of the nervous system.
 A neuroradiologist must be concerned with the
clinical imaging, therapy, and basic science of
the central and peripheral nervous system,
including but not limited to the brain, spine, head
and neck.
Goals/Objectives
 Review
basic anatomic landmarks in the
brain
 Learn the three different orientations
neuroradiologists use to view images of
the brain
 Be able to distinguish between a CT scan,
T1-weighted MR image, and a T2weighted MR image of the brain
Orientation
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Sagittal Plane
Coronal Plane
Axial (Transverse) Plane
What is a CT (or CAT) scan?

CT stands for
“computed
tomography” - this is
a complex machine
that uses x-rays to
create threedimensional images
of the body
What is bright/dark on CT?

The more dense the
tissue, the brighter it
looks on CT
 Any calcified structure
(like the skull)
appears bright
 New hemorrhage in
the brain is also bright
 Water (or CSF) looks
dark on CT
What is MR?

MR stands for
“magnetic resonance”
- this is a tool that
uses magnetic fields
created by a giant
magnet to produce
three-dimensional
images of the human
body
The two most common types
of MR images are…

T1-weighted MR imagesuseful to look at normal
anatomy of the brain

T2-weight MR images useful to look at abnormal
processes (or pathology)
in the brain
What is bright/dark on T1?

Fat is bright
 White matter (inner
part of brain) is
brighter than gray
matter (cortex or
outer part of the
brain)
 Water (CSF) is dark
What is bright/dark on T2?

Water is bright
 Blood is bright
 White matter is darker
than gray matter
Other Studies - Angiogram

Some neurologists
just want to look at
blood vessels in the
brain
 They can inject a
contrast agent and
then use x-rays to see
the blood flowing
inside the artery
Interventional Radiology

Interventional
radiologists use xrays and other
imaging tools in the
operating room to
perform minimally
invasive surgery
Neuroradiology is a rapidly
advancing field of medicine…

Scientists are creating stronger and stronger
magnets to create clearer MR images of the
brain!
Neuroradiology is a rapidly
advancing field of medicine…


You can also use MR to show areas of blood flow
in different regions in the brain - this is called
functional MRI
What part of the brain is abnormal in these
images? What does this patient have?
Neuroradiology

At the end of today, you should be able to
identify the 3 different orientations of the brain as
well as a few important structures in the brain
 You should also attempt to distinguish CT, T1weighted MR and T2-weighted MR images
Consider a career in neuroradiology! It’s a very
rewarding, high-tech specialty with a lot of fun
problem-solving. Neuroradiologists also play an
important role in diagnosing diseases and
helping patients get the most appropriate
medical care.
Thanks!
References/Resources
http://www.images.google.com
http://www.wikipedia.com