Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE RAD3223

 
TITLE Medical Imaging Theory & Practice: Devices & Clinical Applications of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Radiography

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit presents radiography students with knowledge underpinning the devices used, theoretical principles and clinical applications of CT and MR.

The study-unit is made up of lectures, clinical demonstrations and clinical placements under the supervision of a qualified radiographer where students can discuss issues related to devices, physical principles, safe use of devices and ancillary equipment and clinical applications as well as pattern recognition and abnormality detection in CT and MRI.

Current clinical applications for both modalities, CT and MRI, will be discussed. The increased role that these modalities have in imaging will be discussed and how they are substituting conventional imaging in areas such as angiography; colonoscopy; arthrography and cardiac imaging.

An overview of neurophysiology will be given as both CT and MRI are extensively used for imaging of the CNS.

Study-unit Aims:

- To explain the principles of the function of CT and MR scanners;
- To demonstrate the practical use of the scanners;
- To demonstrate the safe use of the scanners focusing on patient care;
- To investigate the clinical applications of CT and MRI and discuss situations where they have taken over from conventional and interventional modes of imaging, such as, angiography, colonoscopy, arthrography and cardiac imaging;
- To provide students with a good understanding of neurophysiology and its importance and relevance to specific CT and MRI examinations;
- To investigate and evaluate the scan protocols in the optimisation of dose and image quality to obtain the maximum diagnostic information for various conditions;
- To evaluate the resultant images for common pathological manifestations; and
- To evaluate the preparation of the patient for CT or MRI examinations together with the use of respective contrast media.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Discuss and compare both CT and MRI with respect to the advantages and disadvantages between them and other modes of imaging;
- Discuss the sensitivity and specificity of the both modalities to specific clinical indications;
- Identify common pathological processes on the resultant images;
- Discuss the safe use of both modalities in terms of protocol optimisation and use of contrast agents;
- Describe the role of the radiographer in the overall care of patient presenting with an injury/pathology/condition;
- Explain justification of the CT/MRI examination based on patient presentation and clinical indications;
- Explain technical, patient and pathological factors influencing preparation and choice of technique for specific examination;
- Apply knowledge of imaging systems and radiation protection principles to ensure optimisation of dose and image quality where applicable;
- Explain the importance and relevance of having a good understanding of neurophysiology when performing specific CT and MRI examinations;
- Discuss how to adapt and optimise the technique for different types of patients, pathologies/conditions and/or circumstances;
- Describe how to correctly undertake CT/MRI examinations, giving due consideration to: patient preparation, room preparation, selection of appropriate protocols and positioning of patient;
- Explain how the patient must be treated with respect and care appropriate to their physical and psychological needs, before, during and after performing the examination;
- Identify and describe, using the correct anatomical terminology, the structure and orientation of bones, joints and other relevant anatomical structures;
- Discuss the evaluation criteria of the image produced;
- Reflect and discuss the potential impact the image quality may have on the patient’s management and care;
- Discuss the use of contrast agents and their potential risks; and
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of CT and MRI to other modes of imaging.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to demonstrate the skills and competencies at Level 2 (under supervision):
- Produce diagnostic images and providing for the physical and psychological needs of the patient;
- Process images and use post processing software on digital images;
- Identify requirements for protocol manipulation and optimisation based on the diagnostic requirements and needs of the patient;
- Analyse the clinical request and justify the examination;
- Decide on the protocol to be performed in accordance with the request, clinical history, clinical indications and patient presentation;
- Perform correct identification check and screen patient including pregnancy check (if applicable);
- Care and communicate effectively with the patient before, during and after the examination;
- Practice and apply correct positioning techniques for the patient;
- Practice application of radiation protection measures to ensure optimisation of dose and image quality where applicable;
- Evaluate image and discuss the criteria for a good diagnostic image, especially in terms of: confirming patient identification; explaining contrast, density and sharpness;
- Identify anatomy and explain the appearance of all relevant bony and soft tissue structures, positioning errors and artefacts;
- Evaluate image and identify any pathologies/fractures/conditions that are present;
- Assess the need for further sequences based on these pathologies;
- Analyse and solve problems that arise when performing a CT/MRI using appropriate guidelines and research evidence; and
- Identify risk factors associated with contrast agents, assess signs and symptoms of possible reactions and take appropriate action in accordance with established procedures.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Bushberg (2012) The essential physics of medical imaging 3rd Ed.
- Ehrlick, McCloskey (2004) Patient care in radiography 6th Ed.
- Webb, Brant, Helms (2005) Fundamentals of body CT 3rd Ed.
- Westbrook C (2014) Handbook of MRI technique.
- Westbrook C (2011) MRI in Practice.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Please note that a pass in the Examination component is obligatory for an overall pass mark to be awarded.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Demonstrations, Indep Study, Fieldwork & Lectures

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Portfolio 1 SP Yes 10%
Portfolio 2 SP Yes 10%
Examination [See Add. Notes] (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 80%

 
LECTURER/S Victor Micallef
Mifsud Claude Portanier
Keith Schembri
Francis Zarb

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit