Monday, 2 January 2017

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step....

If you are reading this blog you are probably contemplating or training in ultrasound. Welcome!

I am an advanced beginner in ultrasound so forgive me if I gloss over basic foundations from time to time. I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences so that you may take comfort in realising your difficulties and struggles are shared.

I will jump straight into content today. When writing a report post examination it is critical to describe pathology in a logical sequence covering all aspects of that " thing " you saw. Sometimes you will know what it is and other times you may be baffled . Description is vital in conveying your message.

What is important?

1. Echogenicity- anechoic , hypoechoic, hyperechoic

2. Echotexture - smooth or rough ( homogenous, heterogenous)

3. Size often in 3 dimensions

4. Shape - assess borders ? oval, round , angular borders etc.

5. Compressibility

6. Mobility

7. Vascularity? Assess with colour , power and / or spectral doppler . Is the vascularity peripheral or central to the lesion?

8. Is there pain or tenderness over the region of interest ? Vital

9. Can the region be compared to the contra lateral side? If so compare and contrast.

10. Location relative to fixed anatomic landmarks  if a mass under skin eg. bony landmarks

11. Posterior enhancement or shadow?

Think about how you will describe your pathology during the live scan. A radiologist relies on good communication with a sono.

 I apologise if I have missed anything and if you can think of anything else please email.




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