Towards MRCPCH Part II (Theory) Examination

Towards MRCPCH Part II (Theory) Examination is an invaluable guide to sitting and passing the written papers of the MRCPCH examination, which tests candidates on all aspects of clinical paediatrics. Divided into two papers, each of two and a half hours in length, candidates tackle a mixture of data interpretation, picture tests and grey case questions, all of which are represented here. Full explanations accompany all answers, and the book will provide helpful pointers for further study throughout training, and is essential reading for those preparing to sit the theory papers of the Part II MRCPCH examination.

Table of Contents:
Overview of Image Production Introduction General principles X-ray beam characteristics Scattered radiation Field size Geometry of image production Magnification Unsharpness Resolution/definition X-ray detectors Ionisation Display system and viewing conditions Radiation dose Practitioner’s skill and perception MCQs Mathematics for Medical Imaging Introduction Basic mathematics Exposure calculations International system of units Measurement prefixes (powers) Multiplication and division of powers Logarithms (logs) Graphs Line focus principle Similar triangles Inverse square law Statistics MCQs Physics for Medical Imaging Introduction The atom Atomic structure Atomic number Mass number Electrons and electron orbitals Binding energy Atomic balance Ions Isotopes Elements Compounds Radioactivity Principles of radioactive decay γ – emission and X-rays Penetrating power of the emissions Force, work, energy and power Heat Transfer of heat Waves Sound Magnetism Electricity and electric charge Electrical circuit Electromagnetic radiation MCQs X-rays, X-ray Tube and X-ray Circuit Introduction X-rays X-ray tube Parts of the X-ray tube X-ray circuit The Interaction of highenergy electrons with matter Interactions between incoming electrons and outer-shell electrons in tungsten Interactions producing heat Interactions producing X-rays Interactions between incoming electrons and inner-shell electrons in tungsten (characteristic X-ray production) Interactions between incoming electrons and the nucleus of the Atom (Bremsstrahlung X-ray production) X-ray spectra and factors affecting the quality and intensity of the X-ray beam Impact of changing the mA Impact of changing the kV The impact of filtration on the X-ray beam MCQs X-ray Interactions in Matter Introduction Interactions of X-rays in matter Attenuation The processes of attenuation in diagnostic radiography Elastic scatter Pair production Photoelectric absorption Compton scatter MCQs Principles of Radiation Detection and Image Formation Introduction Desirable characteristics of radiation detectors Detective quantum efficiency Ionisation chambers Ionisation chambers used for automatic exposure control circuits Xenon gas detectors Scintillation crystals/ photocathode multiplier Scintillation crystal/ photocathode X-ray image intensifier Scintillation crystals/silicon photodiode multiplier Large field detectors Indirect, direct, computed and digital radiography Computed radiography in detail Indirect digital radiography technology in detail Charged coupled device coupling via optical fibre Charged coupled devices optically coupled by a mirror and high quality lens Direct digital radiography Digital fluoroscopic systems Image intensifier linked to charged coupled device Fluoroscopic flat panel detectors Solid-state X-ray image intensifier MCQs Image Quality Introduction Geometry of imaging Magnification and distortion Signal-to-noise ratio Unsharpness Movement unsharpness Resolution of the imaging system Spatial resolution Measurement of unsharpness in an image Viewing digital images Brightness and contrast Effect of scatter on contrast MCQs Radiation Dose and Exposure Indicators Introduction Radiation dose Detection and measurement of radiation Ionisation of air Exposure Absorbed dose Equivalent dose Effective dose Linear energy transfer and relative biological effectiveness Quality factor for radiation Radiation monitors and personal monitoring Thermoluminescent dosimeters Exposure indicators MCQs Image Display and Manipulation in Medical Imaging Introduction Image production pathway Raw data image matrix Display of reconstructed image matrix Image quality and matrix size Image interpolation Image manipulation Manufacturer-defined manipulation tools Operator-defined manipulation tools Noise reduction by background subtraction Noise reduction by `low-pass spatial filtering’ Edge enhancement by `highpass spatial filtering’ Standards MCQs Radiation Protection and Safety Introduction Legislation IRR’99 IR(ME)R 2000 Optimisation Training Local rules and systems of work Responsibilities Radiation protection of staff Dose limits Physical, chemical and biological effects of ionising radiation Cancer effects Heritable (also known as deterministic) effects are defined by two properties Special protection measures for women of reproductive capacity Reporting of radiation incidents MCQs Risk–benefit Introduction Risk–benefit analysis Benefits of X-ray examinations Risks from X- and γ-Radiation MCQs Answers to MCQs Chapter formulas Index