CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What clinical indication would prompt the use of intravenous contrast for a musculoskeletal exam?

1. Acute injury

2. Planned follow-up imaging

3. Suspected infection

4. Screening for osteoporosis

The correct answer is: Suspected infection

The use of intravenous contrast for a musculoskeletal exam is often indicated when there is a suspected infection. This is primarily because contrast agents enhance the visibility of vascular structures and potential areas of inflammation, allowing for better assessment of conditions such as osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. In cases of suspected infection, the contrast helps to highlight abnormal blood flow and fluid collections, which are critical for diagnosing and determining the extent of the infection. Acute injury, while often involving soft tissue, fractures, or other types of injury-related assessments, typically does not require contrast. Similarly, planned follow-up imaging may not necessitate intravenous contrast if the purposes of the follow-up can be achieved through non-contrast imaging based on the initial findings. Screening for osteoporosis is generally performed without contrast, usually through techniques like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) rather than contrast-enhanced imaging, as the goal is solely to assess bone density without the need to visualize soft tissues or vascular structures.