Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Ultrasound of the renal tract, bladder, prostate, adrenal glands, abdominal wall, hernias and peritoneum together with related sonographic anatomy and pathology. Role of ultrasound in blunt trauma and intervention techniques for the abdomen. Renal transplant scanning. Doppler ultrasound. Doppler angle, spectral Doppler and pulse and continuous Doppler. Artefacts. Bio-effects and bio-hazards of diagnostic ultrasound. Harmonic imaging.

Objectives

1. Describe the patient preparation for and sonographic imaging methods employed in sonographic examinations of the renal tract, bladder, prostate, adrenal glands, abdominal wall and peritoneum.
2. Perform a basic ultrasound examination of the renal tract to the level of a beginner sonographer.
3. Recognise and describe the normal sonographic anatomy of the renal tract, bladder, prostate, adrenal glands, abdominal wall and peritoneum.
4. Recognise and describe the sonographic appearances of a range of common pathological conditions affecting the renal tract, bladder, prostate, adrenal glands, abdominal wall and peritoneum.
5. Appreciate the role of medical ultrasound in the evaluation of blunt trauma to the abdomen.
6. Appreciate the role of sonological intervention techniques in the abdomen.
7. Describe the spectral Doppler ultrasound technique.
8. Explain the Doppler angle.
9. Calculate Doppler shifts given blood flow speed, direction and transducer frequency in the context of an understanding of the basic underlying haemodynamics.
10. Communicate an understanding of the use/setting of range gates and sample volumes in spectral Doppler.
11. Explain how aliasing arises in spectral Doppler.
12. Communicate an understanding of the other Doppler modes, both pulse and continuous systems.
13. Describe and identify simple artefacts in Doppler modes of scanning.
14. Describe the likely bio-effects and bio-hazards is diagnostic ultrasound.
15. Communicate an understanding of the advantages and limitations of harmonic imaging.

Assessment

3-hour written examination: 55%
1-hour image analysis examination: 15%
20 minute practical scanning examination: 10%
1000 word imaging essay: 10%
SOLAR case study: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Contact hours

6 hours contact per week comprising: 1-hour lecture, 1-hour tutorial, 2-hour practical scanning class, 1-hour film reading and 1-hour engagement with WebCT. In addition students are expected to spend 6 hours per week engaging in private reading about the topic, film reading and completing imaging practical exercises on line.

Prerequisites

RAD3021

Co-requisites

RAD3092, RAD3062, RAD3082. Only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging.