72054 - The Basic of Ultrasound

Learning outcomes

The student acquires knowledge of the technical principles of ultrasound and its biological effects. They are able to understand how ultrasound compares to other imaging modalities and grasp the fundamental principles of acoustic impedance. They also learn the basic protocols for ultrasound examinations.

Course contents

The course introduces the fundamental principles of ultrasound and their application in the representation of the main anatomical structures, with reference to basic protocols and comparison with other imaging techniques.

Main topics:

• physical principles of ultrasound;

• frequency, wavelength, propagation speed and intensity of the ultrasound beam;

• interaction between ultrasound waves and biological tissues;

• acoustic impedance;

• reflection, refraction, scattering, attenuation and absorption;

• ultrasound image formation;

• echoes, acoustic interfaces and grey-scale representation;

• main ultrasound display modes;

• B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler and Power Doppler;

• basic principles of pulsed-wave and continuous-wave Doppler;

• ultrasound probes;

• linear, convex, phased-array and endocavitary probes;

• probe selection according to anatomical district, depth and clinical question;

• main technical parameters of ultrasound imaging;

• depth, gain, focus, frequency, dynamic range and time gain compensation;

• ultrasound image optimisation;

• main ultrasound artefacts;

• posterior acoustic shadowing, posterior acoustic enhancement, reverberation, mirror artefact, anisotropy and motion artefacts;

• role of artefacts in the interpretation of ultrasound images;

• biological effects of ultrasound;

• thermal index and mechanical index;

• general principles of safety in the use of ultrasound;

• basic abdominal ultrasound anatomy;

• liver, gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder and main abdominal vascular structures;

• main scanning planes and approaches in abdominal ultrasound;

• ultrasound anatomy of soft tissues;

• skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascial planes, muscles, tendons, superficial lymph nodes and fluid collections;

• basic musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy;

• tendons, muscles, superficial joints, bursae and periarticular structures;

• role of ultrasound in the dynamic assessment of musculoskeletal structures;

• basic ultrasound examination protocols;

• patient preparation, positioning, probe selection and methodological approach;

• probe orientation and correlation between probe movement and the displayed image;

• principles of ultrasound image documentation;

• comparison between ultrasound and other imaging techniques;

• ultrasound and conventional radiography;

• ultrasound and CT;

• ultrasound and MRI;

• advantages, limitations and general indications of ultrasound imaging;

• concept of integrated imaging;

• role of ultrasound in multidisciplinary diagnostic pathways;

• selected iconographic examples and demonstration videos aimed at understanding the technique, ultrasound anatomy and correlation with X-ray, CT and MRI.

Any reference to pathological findings is intended solely for teaching purposes and is used to support the understanding of ultrasound anatomy, the physical principles of the technique and comparison with other imaging modalities.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials will be provided by the teacher and made available through the Virtuale platform.

Additional learning materials, iconographic atlases, demonstration videos or bibliographic references may be indicated during the course on the following topics:

• physical principles of ultrasound;

• basic ultrasound anatomy;

• abdominal imaging;

• musculoskeletal ultrasound;

• integrated imaging and comparison between imaging modalities.

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical lectures supported by presentations, ultrasound images, explanatory diagrams and demonstration videos.

Teaching will focus on the understanding of the technical principles of ultrasound imaging and on the correlation between image formation, visualised anatomy and examination quality.

Iconographic examples and video tutorials will be used to support visual learning and the understanding of the main ultrasound scanning approaches. Practical demonstrations using ultrasound equipment may be provided, aimed at familiarising students with probes, image orientation, basic parameters and recognition of the main anatomical structures.

Particular attention will be paid to the comparison between ultrasound, conventional radiography, CT and MRI, in order to understand the role of ultrasound in integrated imaging.

Assessment methods

The assessment will focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to evaluate the acquisition of the physical, technical and practical principles of ultrasound imaging.

The examination may include questions on:

• physical principles of ultrasound;

• acoustic impedance and interaction between ultrasound waves and tissues;

• ultrasound image formation;

• main ultrasound display modes;

• ultrasound probes and basic technical parameters;

• biological effects and safety of ultrasound;

• abdominal, soft tissue and musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy;

• basic ultrasound examination protocols;

• comparison between ultrasound, X-ray, CT and MRI;

• role of ultrasound in integrated imaging.

Assessment will take into account the accuracy of the contents, the ability to use appropriate terminology, clarity of presentation and the ability to relate the technical principles of the technique to anatomical representation and comparison with other imaging modalities.

The assessment may be supported by the use of ultrasound images, demonstration videos or example cases discussed during the course.

Teaching tools

The following tools will be used:

• lecture slides;

• selected ultrasound images;

• video tutorials and demonstration videos;

• diagrams explaining the physical principles of ultrasound;

• examples of ultrasound scanning approaches;

• ultrasound equipment for possible practical demonstrations;

• X-ray, CT and MRI images for imaging comparison;

• teaching materials uploaded to the Virtuale platform.

Teaching materials related to the lectures will be shared through the UniBO Virtuale platform.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Emilio Orlandi