LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main objective of the course is the achievement of professional competences related to the science of diagnostic imaging, including the core principles of image production, interpretation and clinical indications. Special attention will be devoted to familiarize the medical student with the role of diagnostic imaging to assess a variety of pathologic conditions affecting different organs and tissues. Students trained in the course will be able to ask for the appropriate imaging modality as regard the patient and the clinical context. Principles of radioprotection and dosimetry will also be addressed.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students trained in the course will acquire the following skills:

1. Familiarize with the use of conventional and advanced imaging modalities in the field of diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy
2. Know the basics of physics and technology of the current diagnostic imaging modalities
3. Be able to choose the appropriate imaging technique based on the clinical context and patient history.
4. Be aware of radiation safety and protection.
5. Be aware of the main procedures and side effects of radiation therapy and nuclear medicine.

TEACHING METHODS

The educational program consists of:

• Frontal Lecturing
• Professional Traineeship (Ultrasound, CT, MR imaging, Emergency Radiology) at the Radiology Units of the Hospital
• Elective Placements (ADE) at the Radiology Units of the Hospital

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

MODULE #1. Radiation Physics; Radiographic Examination; Computed Tomography: physical principles and technology; Ultrasonography: physical principles and technology; Doppler Imaging: physical principle and technology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging: physical principles and technology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Pulse Sequences and Acquisition Parameters; Angiography and Interventional Techniques; Nuclear Medicine Imaging Techniques: physical principles; Nuclear Medicine Imaging Techniques: clinical indications - Case Studies Nuclear Medicine

MODULE #2. Chest Imaging (incl. respiratory system and mediastinum); Cardiac Imaging - Case Studies Thoracic Imaging

MODULE #3. Gastrointestinal Tract Imaging; Diagnostic Imaging of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas; Diagnostic imaging of the Spleen, Retroperitoneum and Peritoneal Cavity; Endocrine System Imaging; Urological Radiology; Imaging of the Male Reproductive System; Imaging of the Female Reproductive System - Case Studies Abdominal Imaging

MODULE #4. Breast Imaging

MODULE #5. Musculoskeletal Imaging; Diagnostic Imaging in Rheumatology - Case Studies Musculoskeletal Imaging

MODULE #6. Maxillofacial Radiology; Oral Radiology

MODULE #7. Neuroradiology; Nuclear Neurology - Case Studies Neuroradiology

MODULE #8. PET Imaging in Oncology; Radiometabolic Therapy; Oncologic Imaging: assessing tumor response to therapy - Clinical Indications and Radiological Guidelines; Statistic Guide to Interpretation of Imaging Findings

MODULE #9. Radiation Therapy: role, technology and techniques; Radiation Therapy: clinical and oncological indications; Principles of Radiobiology of Tumors and Normal Tissues; Principles of Radiation Protection: clinical dosimetry. Case Studies Radiation Therapy

Regarding the outline, the course is organized around 60 hours of frontal lectures, three seminars of one hour duration each and a series of eight two-hours long interactive meetings based on case studies and further theoretical learning. Overall, the course engages for a total of 79 hours of intensive teaching and learning. Six of the meetings underlined above have been also included in the path of professional training activities (attività professionalizzanti) according to the information available on AulaWeb:

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cittadini G. Cittadini G., Sardanelli F. Diagnostica per immagini e radioterapia. Edra Ed., Milano, 2015. ISBN: 978-88-214-4000-7