Ventilation/perfusion scan

Ventilation/perfusion scan

A Ventilation/perfusion scan (V/Q scan) is a medical imaging procedure used to diagnose certain lung conditions. It is non-invasive and involves the use of a radiotracer to evaluate airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs.

Pronunciation

Ventilation/perfusion scan: /vɛntɪˈleɪʃən pərˈfjuːʒən skæn/

Etymology

The term "ventilation/perfusion scan" is derived from the medical terms "ventilation," which refers to the movement of air in and out of the lungs, and "perfusion," which refers to the passage of fluid through the circulatory system or lymphatic system to an organ or a tissue.

Procedure

A Ventilation/perfusion scan consists of two parts: the ventilation scan and the perfusion scan. The ventilation scan is performed first, where the patient inhales a radioactive gas or aerosol. The perfusion scan follows, where a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein in the patient's arm. A special camera then takes pictures of the lungs to see how well the patient's lungs are ventilated and perfused.

Uses

A Ventilation/perfusion scan is primarily used to detect and evaluate the severity of pulmonary embolism, a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked. It may also be used to assess lung function before lung surgery.

Related Terms

• Pulmonary embolism
• Radiotracer
• Ventilation
• Perfusion
• Lung function test

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Ventilation/perfusion scan
• Wikipedia's article - Ventilation/perfusion scan

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