X-ray kymography
The Röntgenkymographie (gr. Kymo - wave) is a historic, now obsolete , x-ray methods for mapping and analysis of body movements.
Methods
- Area kymogram: If a lead plate with parallel, radiolucent gaps (slotted grid ) is evenly displaced by a distance of two gaps for the duration of the exposure between the patient and the X-ray film , the movements of an irradiated organ are recorded like a curve.
- Step kymogram: If the slotted grid remains stationary and the X-ray film is evenly shifted by a distance of two gaps for the duration of the exposure, the movements of an organ that is irradiated are recorded in steps.
- Distance kymography: This corresponds to area kymography, in which the slot grid is moved between the X-ray tube and the patient and is associated with a significantly lower radiation exposure. The organ structures are mapped at the moment when a slit moves past. Stationary organ parts are shown in focus, moving parts are shown one after the other as spikes. Pulsations, breathing and rotational movements contribute to the formation of spikes. The grid can be aligned horizontally, obliquely or vertically according to the greatest organ movement. The recordings were made with a special X-ray device, a kymograph, in which the slot spacing and the slot width were specified. The exposure time and the scanning speed, however, could be varied.
Areas of application
- Kymography of the heart ,
- Diaphragmatic kymography ,
- Kymography of the esophagus .
Expressiveness
The size and shape of the movement amplitude in the examined organs can be determined. The procedure and the classification of the findings required a great deal of experience on the part of the examiner, which among other things led to the procedure being abandoned over time.