Course Description
Provide correlation between gross and normal radiographic anatomy of large and small animals, provide a foundation for radiographic interpretive paradigms and imaging terminology and introduce the basic physics of image formation of different diagnostic imaging modalities with an emphasis on radiography.
Athena Title
Intro Vet Diagnostic Imaging
Non-Traditional Format
This course consists of 13 lectures (1 contact hour/lecture) and 12 labs (each lab is 2-hours, equivalent of 1 contact hour/lab) for a total of 25 contact hours over 5 weeks = 1.6 credits.
Prerequisite
Permission of school
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. To create a correlation between gross anatomy and radiographic anatomy while providing a clinical reference to basic material introduced in 1st year. 2. To build on and solidify anatomic knowledge gained in 1st year courses through integration with radiology and other diagnostic imaging modalities. 3. Build the foundation for interpretive paradigms and mastery of appropriate imaging terminology. 4. Help build a solid clinically relevant case-based learning platform that integrates seamlessly with other courses in the curriculum. 5. To introduce basic diagnostic imaging modalities a. Basics physics of image formation with a focus on radiography. b. Introduction to different diagnostic images will enhance student understanding when participating in other clinical courses (e.g., neurology and MRI, surgery and CT, oncology and US, equine lameness and nuclear scintigraphy). 6. Understand the pros and cons of each modality for screening and diagnosis of a particular disease/condition. This course will cover many fundamental concepts now being taught in clinical courses. An earlier introduction to these fundamentals and improved anatomic knowledge base will facilitate the incorporation of diagnostic imaging in other courses throughout the curriculum. On successful completion of the course a student will be able to: 1. Confidently differentiate normal from abnormal radiographic anatomy. 2. Confidently identify common radiographic abnormalities. 3. Use appropriate anatomic and radiographic terminology, describe normal and abnormal radiographic findings. 4. Understand basic x-ray production and image formation. 5. Understand the concepts of radiographic exposure, kVp, mAs, radiographic density. 6. Display mastery of a systematic interpretive paradigm for radiographic interpretation. 7. Confidently evaluate radiographic images of the musculoskeletal system, thorax and abdomen and deliver a written and verbal report using appropriate terminology. 8. Understand basic radiation safety principles and the ALARA principle. 9. Understand the benefits and pitfalls of multiple diagnostic imaging modalities.
Topical Outline
Course Scope: 1. Comprehensive course focused on normal radiographic anatomy 2. Includes large and small animal anatomy 3. Alternate imaging (US, CT, MRI, Nuc Med) will be introduced where appropriate to assist in learning objectives 4. Focus on a. Musculoskeletal system – bones, muscle/ligament/tendon/joint capsule attachment and other clinically relevant soft tissue structures i. Interpretive paradigm – the approach to radiographic interpretation, where to start ii. Head iii. Major bones of the skull iv. Hyoid apparatus v. Vertebral column vi. Introduction to neuroimaging using MRI, CT, myelography vii. Pelvis viii. Thoracic limbs ix. Pelvic limbs b. Thorax i. Interpretive paradigm – the approach to radiographic interpretation, where to start ii. Pulmonary iii. Pleural space iv. Lungs v. Cardiovascular vi. Mediastinum vii. Thoracic lymph centers viii. Major airways – trachea/principle bronchi c. Abdomen i. Interpretive paradigm – the approach to radiographic interpretation, where to start ii. Liver iii. Spleen iv. Kidneys v. Gastrointestinal tract vi. Urinary system vii. Genital system viii. Retroperitoneal and peritoneal space ix. Intra-abdominal lymph centers x. Vascular anatomy Use of contrast studies to emphasize normal anatomy. This will serve as a platform for covering diagnostic contrast studies in the 3rd year radiology course.