In fluoroscopy, what happens when the contrast media's atomic number is similar to that of tissues or bones?

When the atomic number of the contrast media is similar to that of surrounding tissues or bones, it increases the visibility of structures. This is crucial in fluoroscopy, where the primary goal is to differentiate between various anatomical features in real-time images. Contrast media, which are often used to enhance the clarity of images, work by altering the way x-rays interact with the body.

When the atomic number is similar, the contrast medium does not provide a sufficient difference in attenuation (the absorption of x-rays) compared to the surrounding materials. This results in structures being less distinguishable, as they may appear similar in density and shading on the fluoroscopic images. Enhancing visibility of distinct structures relies on the contrast medium having a significantly different atomic number than the tissues it is meant to outline. Thus, selecting appropriate contrast media is critical for achieving clear and effective imaging outcomes during fluoroscopy procedures.