Diagnostic Imaging

This module will focus initially on understanding how to get the most out of your ultrasound machine and will familiarise you with the machine controls and probes required for optimal image acquisition. In addition, you will learn how to identify and use (if useful) or eliminate (if unhelpful) artefacts.

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to ultrasound of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract with a focus on appreciation of the normal sonographic appearance. The course material will be put in practice with practical ultrasound scanning ensuring you are comfortable scanning the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract.

Key learning objectives:

• Apply the physics and principles of ultrasound
• Become familiar with machine settings and controls and be able to optimise image quality and avoid artefacts
• Review the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract
• Revise using ultrasound to identify abnormalities of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract

This module involves a practical scanning session.

This module will focus initially on the basic principles of echocardiography with particular focus on how to acquire the standard views to make diagnoses of common cardiac diseases. Practicals on image acquisition and on measurements will further increase your confidence with basic echocardiography.

The second half of the module will focus on ultrasound of the urogenital tract with particular focus on appreciation of the normal sonographic appearance. An overview of interpretative principles of abdominal ultrasound with many examples of pathology will improve your confidence in making diagnoses.

Key learning objectives:

• Review the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the reproductive tract and urinary tract
• Perform ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and urinary tract
• Obtain the useful ultrasonographic measurements needed to make diagnoses

This module involves a practical scanning session.

These modules will focus on film reading, concentrating on pleural and mediastinal disease. Group discussion of cases in the forum will support the module. Emphasis will be placed on adopting a logical approach to radiographic interpretation, and communicating this information in a structured radiological report. The lessons will include tips on optimising thoracic radiography, normal thoracic radiographic anatomy (including some of the many breed variations encountered) and examples of many pathological conditions of the pleural cavity and mediastinum.

Key learning objectives:

• Revise appropriate radiographic techniques in the thorax
• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the thoracic wall, pleural cavity, diaphragm and mediastinum
• Interpret radiological changes associated with diseases of the thoracic wall, diaphragm, pleural space and mediastinum
• Have the knowledge to perform and interpret contrast studies of the oesophagus

This module includes a film reading session and case discussion.

As part of this module you will have the opportunity to bring in any interesting cases from your own practice, which can be used as part of the group discussions.

Key learning objectives:

• Utilise appropriate radiographic techniques in the thorax to obtain diagnostic radiographs of the heart, lungs and vasculature
• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the heart, lungs and vasculature
• Interpret radiological changes associated with disease of the heart, lungs and thoracic vasculature
• Understand when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in thoracic conditions

This module includes a film reading session and case discussion.

Key learning objectives:

• Explain the principles of conventional and digital radiography
• Evaluate and improve image quality
• Understand the basis of radiographic interpretation
• Become familiar with the principles, strengths and limitations of CT and MRI
• Appreciate the requirements for radiation protection in the workplace including knowledge of the Ionising Radiation Regulations
• Select appropriate contrast agents

This module may include a film reading activity.

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the abdomen
• Interpret radiological changes associated with diseases of the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, retroperitoneal space, liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
• Understand the value of contrast studies in the evaluation of the urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
• View CT images demonstrating the normal appearance of the abdomen
• Consider when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in abdominal conditions

This module may include a film reading activity.

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the forelimb and hindlimb and identify changes associated with common diseases
• Classify fractures and interpret stages of fracture healing and complications
• Discuss the radiographic signs and differentiation of infection and neoplasia
• Diagnose various metabolic and nutritional bone diseases
• Perform arthrography
• View CT images demonstrating the normal appearance of the skeletal system and understand when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in musculoskeletal conditions

This module includes a film reading session.

Key learning objectives:

• Review the normal radiographic appearance and radiographic changes associated with diseases of the head and soft tissues of the neck (thyroid glands and lymph nodes)
• Be able to recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the spine and radiographic changes associated with common diseases of the spine
• Become familiar with the use of myelography and CT myelography
• Have an understanding of the utilisation of CT and MRI in clinical neurology
• Make informed choices in selecting CT or MRI and when to refer cases for these investigative procedures

This module includes a film reading session.

At the end of the module you will know how to perform a basic ultrasonographic examination of the thorax excluding the heart. You will be able to identify common intrathoracic diseases like pleural effusion, mediastinal masses and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, pulmonary consolidation and pulmonary masses. You will also learn the technique and perform ultrasound-guided aspirations and biopsies.

Key learning objectives:

• Revise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the thorax excluding the heart
• Appreciate the applications of T-Fast scanning
• Recognise the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the mediastinum, pleural space and lungs
• Understand the approach to ultrasound guided biopsy and aspiration techniques
• Review the ultrasound techniques practised in previous modules

This module includes a practical scanning session.

At the end of the module you will be familiar with the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the skeletal system along with variations from the normal. You will also learn to scan the structures of the head and neck reviewing normal variations and true abnormalities.

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal appearance and deviations from normal of muscles and tendons. Practical identification and examination of the biceps tendon and common calcaneal tendon.
• Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary glands
• Interpret ultrasonographic changes associated with diseases of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary gland
• Understand the applications of ultrasound in examining the eye

This module includes a practical scanning session

Lectures will aid you in gaining confidence in distinguishing between pathology and normal variation in organs such as the liver and spleen. A significant amount of time will be spent improving your practical ultrasonographic skills. Case examples will allow you to put your new ultrasound interpretation skills to practice and guidance is given on what to record in an ultrasound report.

Key learning objectives:

• Set up the machine and record images
• Recognise commonly seen artefacts
• Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the abdomen
• Appreciate the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, retro-peritoneal space, liver and spleen

This module includes a practical scanning session.

By the end of these two modules, you will be expected to be able to practically locate the area of the pancreas, the biliary tract, the adrenals, the medial iliac and jejunal lymph nodes and the great vessels and have more confidence in distinguishing between pathology and normal variation in anatomy.

Key learning objectives:

• Appreciate the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the pancreas, biliary tract, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
• Perform elementary Doppler techniques
• Practise ultrasound guided biopsy and aspiration using a phantom

This module includes a practical scanning session

These two modules will help you advance your skills in echocardiography to become more adept at recognising cardiac diseases using an ultrasound machine.

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the heart
• Perform an echocardiographic examination
• Obtain the standard echocardiographic views and know how to optimise them
• Obtain the useful ultrasonographic measurements needed to make a diagnosis

This module includes a practical scanning session.

Key learning objectives:

• Identify the typical changes seen in common acquired cardiac diseases such as diseases of the myocardium, pericardium and heart valves
• Identify the typical changes seen in common congenital diseases such as diseases of the myocardium, pericardium and heart valves
• Recognise cardiac shunts
• The theory and use of Doppler echocardiography

This module includes a practical scanning session.