RAD3021

Sonographic imaging and methods 1

Objectives On completion of this subject students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound, its associated instrumentation and biological effects. The subject also aims to provide students with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to the conduct of sonographic examinations of the abdominal organs and related structures. Completion of the subject will enable students to participate in such examinations and to recognise and describe the sonographic appearances of normal abdominal anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Synopsis Acoustics theory, transducer design, beam focusing, sound-tissue interaction, image acquisition, A mode, B mode, image formation, image artifacts. Doppler ultrasound: continuous and pulsed Doppler. Quality assurance in ultrasound. Power levels and biological effects. Sonographic anatomy of the abdominal organs and related structures. Sonographic representation of common abdominal pathologies. Selection of appropriate equipment and transducer. Optimisation of technical factors. Scanning techniques for the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, great vessels, and the abdominal wall. Artifacts. Selection of images to record relevant anatomy and pathology. Anotating the image. The presentation of sonographic information for reporting.

Assessment To be advised

Recommended texts

To be advised

Back to the 1999 Medicine Handbook