Introduction to Abdominal Sonography -- November 2011

At the completion of this program, the participant should be able to:

1. Explain the basic imaging fundamentals of ultrasound physics.
2. Demonstrate proper transducer manipulation and system optimization to produce diagnostic images.
3. Describe the abdominal cross-sectional anatomy visualized by ultrasound.
4. Perform scan protocols and routine measurements that are utilized during an abdominal ultrasound evaluation.
5. Identify normal imaging characteristics of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and abdominal vasculature.
6. Discuss imaging characteristics of commonly seen pathology associated with the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, retroperitoneum, and vasculature.
7. Describe scanning protocols for an abdominal ultrasound examination and/or a limited evaluation of individual organ systems such as gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys etc.
8. Differentiate normal/abnormal characteristics for the evaluation of the thyroid, testes/scrotum, and appendix.
9. Increase participant’s knowledge to better perform and/or interpret abdominal ultrasound examinations.

Course Topics:

• Imaging fundamentals
• Cross sectional anatomy
• Aorta and abdominal vasculature/case studies
• Liver/GB/Spleen sonography and pathology
• Scan protocol, live demo
• Pancreas sonography
• Renal sonography
• Ultrasound evaluation of superficial structures: thyroid, scrotum/testes (lecture only) and appendix
• Pathology and case studies
• Abdominal, pathology interactive interpretation session
• Hands-on sessions