PAM2004 Clinical Imaging 3

2007-2008

Code: PAM2004
Title: Clinical Imaging 3
Instructors: Ms C.J. Heales
CATS credits: 20
ECTS credits: 10
Availability: B821 only
Level: 2
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: Introduction to Radiation Physics (PAM1014)
Duration: Weeks 1-5, 7-10, 21-24
Directed Study Time: 40 hours
Private Study Time: 156 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 4 hours
Observation report: Scheduled for 2006/07 FAM

Aims

This module aims to develop knowledge of the science and technology underpinning 2-D and 3-D radionuclide imaging, ultrasound and MRI, and of the principles of safe practice in using these various modalities. The module further aims to provide practical training in interpretation of the images that arise from these modalities.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

• explain the design of systems for provision of two-dimensional radionuclide imaging;
• explain the design of systems for provision of three-dimensional radionuclide imaging;
• explain the basis for choice of nuclide and nuclide carrier for provision of radionuclide imaging;
• outline the range of nuclear medicine procedures;
• describe the systems for safe working in the conduct of nuclear medicine procedures;
• explain the design of systems for provision of diagnostic ultrasonography;
• explain the design of systems for provision of MRI;
• display familiarity with level of normal anatomy demonstrated, and the evaluation of images obtained through use of nuclear medicine, ultrasonography and MRI;

Discipline Specific Skills

• use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge;
• use IT packages for image viewing;

Personal and Key Skills

• manage time and, with some guidance, prioritise workloads;
• use problem-solving skills in practical situations.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Lectures (28×1 hour) and practical work (12 hours). Directed background reading.

Assignments

To be specified.

Assessment

One-hour test (20% week 7), one-hour test (20% week 10), 12 hours of practical work (10%), one 2-hour exam (50%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. Principles of nuclear medicine
   1. Principles of 2D radionuclide imaging.
   2. Design and operating principles of the gamma camera.
   3. Outline of 3D radionuclide imaging (PET and SPECT).
2. Nuclear medicine techniques and applications
   1. Radiopharmaceuticals: choice of isotope and activity
   2. Tagging, physiological uptake and half-life.
   3. Data processing.
   4. Standard equipment.
   5. Standard imaging procedures.
   6. Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
   7. Radiation-protection regulations and legislation.
   8. Evaluation and interpretation of images: level of normal anatomy and physiology demonstrated, normal and pathological examples.
3. Ultrasound
   1. Physical principles.
   2. Heating and cavitation: patient hazards.
   3. Standard equipment.
   4. Standard imaging procedures: A scan, B scan, M scan.
   5. Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
   6. Evaluation and interpretation of images: level of normal anatomy demonstrated, normal and pathological examples.
4. Advanced ultrasound techniques
   1. Doppler flowmetry: principles, equipment and interpretation.
   2. Doppler imaging: principles, equipment and interpretation.
   3. Echocardiography: principles, equipment and interpretation.
5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
   1. Outline of physical principles.
   2. Patient hazards: static magnetic field, switching magnetic fields, r.f. heating.
   3. Standard equipment.
   4. Standard imaging sequences.
   5. Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
   6. Evaluation and interpretation of images: level of normal anatomy demonstrated, normal and pathological examples.
6. Practical image interpretation
   1. Examples from nuclear medicine, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging procedures.
7. Interprofessional work

Core Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Text(s)

Chesney D.N. et al. (1994), Chesney's Equipment for Student Radiographers, Blackwell Science, ISBN 0-63-202724-X (UL: 616.0757 CHE)
Duck F.A. et al. (1998), Ultrasound in Medicine (Medical Science S.), Institute of Physics Publishing, ISBN 0-75-030593-2 (UL: 616.07543 ULT)
Powsner R.A. and Powsner E.R (1998), Essentials of Nuclear Medicine Physics., Blackwell Science Inc., ISBN 0-63-204314-8 (UL: 530.02461 POW)

Formative Mechanisms

Students can monitor their understanding of the module by attempting practice examination questions. Students with specific problems are encouraged to approach the lecturer. In addition, students are able to monitor their own progress in the practical sessions.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.