MRI Head
MRI Head: T2 (transverse relaxation time constant) = water/CSF is white. T1 (longitudinal relaxation time constant) = water/CSF is black
Chest X-ray
Chest X-ray interpretation
CK-MB
CK-MB: creatine kinase dimer of M and B chains; found mainly in myocardial cytosol (also in skeletal muscle); one of three isoenzymes of creatine kinase (CK)
- creatine kinase dimer of M and B chains
- found mainly in myocardial cytosol (also in skeletal muscle)
- one of three isoenzymes of creatine kinase (CK)
CRP
CRP = C-reactive protein OVERVIEW discovered in 1930 by studying Streptococcus pneumoniae infection -> named for its ability to bind to the somatic C-polysaccharide of such bacterial belongs to the family of pentraxins (calcium dependent ligand-binding plasma proteins) Normal range…
CSF analysis
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord.
CT Chest
CT Chest: contrast used to highlight mediastinal structures; entire thorax imaged with no skip areas; slices are 5-10mm thick
CT Head
CT Head scan interpretation and differential diagnosis
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): non-specific marker of inflammation; slower to respond than CRP
Evoked Potentials in Critical Care
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) consist of a series of waves that reflect sequential activation of neural structures along the somatosensory pathways. SSEP of particular interest in critical care, due to their role in neuroprognostication
MRI and the Critically Ill
MRI and the Critically Ill: Restricted access to patients; Remote monitoring; MR compatible equipment; Safety of patients and staff; Getting the highest quality scan possible
Osmolar Gap
Osmolar Gap: Osmolar gap = Osmolality (measured) - Osmolarity (calculated): NOTE: is a pragmatic clinical aid - the units are different (osmolality =mOsm/kg and osmolarity = mOsm/L) so it doesn't make mathematical sense!
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
Total parental nutrition (TPN) is the complete provision of nutrition intravenously, bypassing the GI tract.