Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

This presentation covers the basics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assist in liver imaging preparation and acquisition. Additionally, the foundational principles of liver CEUS imaging and review cases, along with liver imaging reporting and data systems, are also discussed.

• Describe the basics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging.
• Explain CEUS tips and tricks, examination preparation, imaging acquisition, and artifacts.
• Discuss liver imaging analysis and characterization.

This presentation discusses how important ultrasound has become as a means to guide interventional procedures. In addition, the sonographer’s vital role in the success of interventional procedures is explained, along with “best practice” methods to address patient safety.

• Describe the evolution of ultrasound guidance in successful intervention procedures.
• Define how a sonographer serves an integral role in interventional procedures.
• Identify techniques to keep the patient safe during interventional procedures..

Cat-scratch fever is a bacterium Bartonella henselae transmitted through cat saliva and responsible for this disease. It manifests as regional lymphadenopathy, particularly in the immunocompromised patient, and can spread to the abdominal organs including the liver and spleen, among other bodily sites. This review dives into this zoonotic disease and its sonographic imaging exhibition.

• Describe the pathologic process of cat-scratch disease and how it is acquired.
• Discuss manifestations of cat-scratch disease involving its spread to abdominal organs.
• Identify the imaging appearance of cat-scratch disease as it relates abdominal involvement (i.e., liver, spleen) and sonographic techniques to optimize imaging assessment.

This presentation reviews basic principles of contrast enhanced sonography (CEUS) and discusses abdominal applications of CEUS. Appearances of common pathologic processes using CEUS are also demonstrated. Additionally, strategies for identifying and correcting frequently encountered problems with abdominal CEUS examinations are addressed.

• Discuss the mechanism of action of ultrasound contrast agents.
• Recognize appropriate scanning technique and instrumentation for CEUS examination.
• Describe the strategies to correct common image problems encountered during CEUS abdominal exams.

This presentation explains the current clinical use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using the prescription contrast agent Lumason in the evaluation of focal hepatic lesions in adult and pediatric patients.

• Explain the clinical use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in live imaging.
• Describe the vascular phases of the liver.
• Identify ultrasound system controls that can affect CEUS performance.

This presentation covers the most common gallbladder pathologies and the evolution of the sonographers role in the diagnosis. Additionally, the new SRU guidelines for gallbladder polyps and how sonographers can evaluate these findings to further the diagnostic process is discussed. Finally, the presentation concludes by briefly looking at how a couple of newer technologies are playing a role in the diagnosis of gallbladder pathology.

• Describe the most common gallbladder pathologies.
• Explain the 2021 Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound guidelines for gallbladder polyps and how sonographers can use these to further the diagnostic process.
• List a couple of newer technologies that are helping to diagnosis gallbladder abnormalities.

This presentation reviews various types of benign and malignant solid liver lesions. Discussion includes the role that sonographers play in identifying and evaluating hepatic neoplasms through their knowledge of liver anatomy and understanding of etiologic factors and clinical presentation. The sonographic appearance of various solid hepatic neoplasms are also reviewed to formulate a differential diagnosis.

• Describe normal liver anatomy and divisions of the liver.
• Explain scanning techniques to evaluate the liver.
• Identify the various etiologic factors and clinical features of various solid hepatic neoplasms.

This presentation presents a review of neck structures, their characteristics, and their appearance in sonographic images, and also includes a specific focus on diffuse, benign, and malignant disease of the thyroid gland. Anatomy and pathology of the parathyroid gland, lymph nodes, and other neck structures is also discussed.

• Describe the anatomy of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures.
• Recognize the sonographic characteristics of worrisome thyroid nodules and lymph nodes.
• Discuss the sonographic appearance of parathyroid gland pathology.

This presentation discusses and correlates various sonographic signs and symptoms pictorially. These “signs” are highly memorable, easily recognizable, and sometimes key in understanding the disease process when formulating the differential diagnosis.

• Identify and evaluate abnormal sonographic findings/signs.
• Explain the value of incorporating a patient’s past and current history in scanning (OLD CARTS).
• Discuss the importance of formulating a preliminary and differential diagnosis.

This presentation provides a detailed review of how left ventricular systolic function is assessed in the field of echocardiography, with specific tools on how to utilize every modality available to obtain accurate and consistent ejection fractions.

• Discuss the importance and impact of ejection fraction.
• Describe the methods for quantifying ejection fraction in echocardiography.
• Explain technical aspects and application of Simpson Biplane, 3DEF, quantification, and speckle tracking.

This presentation presents a case-based introduction to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), Impella, and intra-aortic balloon pump for cardiac sonographers.

• Describe how devices work to support the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• Recognize images that are required for a thorough assessment.
• Discuss devices and their locations through case review.

This presentation explores best practices and common experiences involved in starting up an ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) service in an echocardiography lab.

• Discuss the on-label and off-label uses and administration of the three ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) that have been approved to date by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• List the required components of a UEA service in an adult echo lab.
• Describe effective training, policies, procedures, and protocols for UEA services.

This presentation provides an overview of how to assess right heart chamber size, systolic and diastolic function, and pressure evaluation. Key examples for the optimal approach to analyze size, function and pressures are discussed, tips and pitfalls on imaging windows, as well as image collection, proper Doppler collection, and optimization.

Putting the results together so that everything makes sense may be the hardest thing about right heart. The lecture concludes with case study reviews to judge for yourself... are you getting it done right?

• Describe optimal methods, tips, and tricks with imaging the right ventricle when performing analysis of size and systolic function.
• Identify optimal Doppler tracings for the estimation of right heart pressures.
• Discuss right heart mechanics for diastolic and systolic assessment.

This presentation covers the many ways to evaluate mitral regurgitation (MR), both pre- and post-intervention.

• Explain the Carpentier classification of mitral regurgitation (MR).
• Discuss the different technical measurements used in evaluating the degree of MR.
• Describe the important findings in the post-interventional patient with MR.

This presentation covers clinically useful applications for 2D speckle tracking strain echocardiography and clinical situations in which strain may help contribute to patient care and improve outcomes. It will also provide insight on how to incorporate 2D strain into your current echo protocol.

• Define what strain is and how it works.
• Discuss how to incorporate strain into the echo protocol.
• Explain how to assess strain in two ways: global and regional.
• Recognize strain patterns in different types of diseases.

This presentation provides a brief historical background as it relates to TAVR and the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. This presentation also covers structural characteristics of the main two types of TAVR valves to help aid in the assessment of them by the echo. Finally, an overview of the assessment of the AV in regard to stenosis and TAVR imaging is covered.

• Describe the basic imaging characteristics of TAVR and the two types of TAVR valves to aid in a more thorough assessment.
• Discuss essential components of assessment of aortic valve stenosis.
• Explain how to perform a basic echo assessment of a TAVR valve.

This presentation focuses on echocardiogram image optimization and pathology techniques that build essential skills for sonographers. It reviews foundational tips, practical strategies for improving image quality, and best practices that can be applied across all echocardiograms.

• Discuss simple image optimization techniques to increase the quality of echocardiograms.
• Describe foundational pathology specific tips/tricks relevant for sonographers of all levels.
• Review simple best practice techniques that can be applied to all echocardiograms.

This presentation provides a review of pericardial anatomy and the evaluation of the pericardial diseases by echocardiography.

• Describe the anatomy of the pericardium.
• Describe the pathophysiology of the pericardium.
• Discuss the echo evaluation of pericardial disease such as: Acute pericarditis, Recurrent pericarditis/constriction, Pericardial effusions/tamponade, Pericardial tumors/mass/pericardial cysts, and congenital absence of the pericardium.

This presentation reviews the complications that can occur following myocardial infarction as well as the presenting symptoms and echocardiographic findings of each.

• Describe the complications associated with myocardial infarction (MI).
• Identify risk factors associated with mechanical complications of an MI.
• List presenting signs and symptoms, and echocardiographic findings of septal rupture, papillary muscle rupture, and free wall rupture.

This presentation explores the challenges of distinguishing between an athlete’s heart and cardiomyopathic processes. It highlights how the use of longitudinal strain imaging can assist both sonographers and physicians in making more accurate assessments.

• Describe the echocardiographic findings commonly associated with an athlete’s heart.
• Discuss longitudinal strain and how to utilize it.
• Identify how strain imaging data can be used to differentiate between cardiomyopathy and an athlete’s heart.

This presentation reviews the role of sonography in imaging the postoperative breast. Breast surgeries, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, and augmentation are described. The spectrum of clinical and sonographic features of the postoperative breast are also reviewed through a series of sonographic images and case studies.

• Describe normal breast anatomy and sonographic appearance.
• Discuss various oncologic, reconstructive, and cosmetic breast surgeries.
• Identify the varied clinical features and sonographic appearances of postoperative breast changes.

This presentation reviews various types of benign breast disease. Discussion includes the role that sonographers play in identifying and evaluating benign breast pathology through knowledge of breast anatomy and understanding of etiologic factors and clinical presentation. The sonographic appearance of various benign breast pathology is also reviewed.

• Discuss normal breast anatomy and sonographic appearance.
• Identify the various etiologic factors and clinical features of various benign breast disease.
• Describe the sonographic appearance of various benign breast diseases and distinguish features which may facilitate in the diagnosis between benign and malignant breast pathology.

Sonographers have an increased risk of work-related injury or illness by being exposed to chemicals, equipment, and tools through all of the five senses: sight, touch, taste, hearing, and smell. Patients are also susceptible to some industry hazards during their procedures. Fortunately, there are human design elements and innovative products that can mitigate or eliminate exposure to such dangers for all. Healthcare facilities can become safer environments by assessing the workspace and implementing various preventive controls. This presentation presents a holistic approach towards ergonomics to offer insight into proactive practices for ideal postures and proper use of armamentarium.

• Discuss the work-related health risks that exist for sonographers.
• Describe the hierarchy of controls developed by the national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH).
• Recognize the human design and workplace factors that support wellness.

This presentation focuses on simple, slow movements to find rest and release in the shoulder, neck, hips, and spine. A combination of myofascial release and gentle release through lengthening to find the rest your body needs is demonstrated. This presentation also offers modifications for the poses using a chair or wall.

• Discuss stretches that are beneficial to sonographers in the neck, shoulders, hips and spine.
• Identify myofascial release techniques for the shoulder and neck.
• Describe approachable techniques to release tension in the neck and shoulders.

This presentation is designed for OB sonographers to recognize their vital role in the detection of congenital heart disease, as it is the most common birth defect. This presentation covers image optimization, fetal echo views, and common congenital heart defects.

• Describe the vital role of OB sonographers in detection of congenital heart disease, including knowledge of risk factors and incidence of disease.
• Describe image optimization techniques to increase diagnostic accuracy to distinguish normal anatomy from pathology.
• Explain a step wise approach to detect simple to complex congenital heart disease.

This presentation takes an in-depth look at the multiple components of fetoplacental circulation, cardiac physiology, and the hemodynamic state of the fetus throughout gestation.

• Discuss the basics of fetal cardiac physiology and fetoplacental circulation.
• Describe which fetal cardiac structures/shunts can be examined during the echocardiogram and the role they each play in proper in-utero circulation and hemodynamics.
• Explain Doppler interrogation techniques to evaluate fetal circulation and how congenital heart defects and pregnancy complications can impact the hemodynamic state of a fetus.

This presentation reviews methods for evaluating the fetal heart during first, second, and third trimester ultrasound exams. It emphasizes key aspects such as situs, chamber proportion, and great vessel anatomy, while building confidence in recognizing normal findings and identifying fetuses at risk for congenital heart disease or heart failure.

• Describe methods for evaluating the fetal heart during first, second, and third trimester obstetrical ultrasound examinations.
• Explain key sonographic features of normal fetal cardiac anatomy, including situs, position, size, function, rhythm, and chamber relationships.
• Identify sonographic patterns and movements that may indicate structural congenital heart disease or congestive heart failure in the fetus.

This presentation addresses the challenges of fetal heart screening and the importance of standardized views such as the three vessel view (3VV) and three vessel tracheal view (3VTV). It reviews fetal heart structure and function, examines the efficacy of these views, and introduces the “Snowman on a Sled” mnemonic to simplify recognition of normal and abnormal findings.

• Review the structure, function, and define the standard screening views of the fetal heart.
• Explain the role of the three-vessel view (3VV) and three-vessel tracheal view (3VTV) in fetal heart screening.
• Discuss the use of the “Snowman on a Sled” mnemonic to evaluate normal and abnormal fetal cardiac anatomy.

Quality Improvement programs evaluate how well processes work to deliver as few errors in the end product as possible, while risk management programs determine how much risk the organization has because of process errors. This presentation shows the similarities and differences in the two processes, explains the importance of implementing both processes, and how organizations can create value for all stakeholders.

• Discuss the components of a quality improvement program.
• Describe how to improve the efficiency of care delivery.
• List risk management strategies that will increase value to an organization.

This presentation provides managers and sonographers creative approaches to help avoid burnout and instill a more positive atmosphere in the workplace.

• Describe common presentations of moral injury and burnout in sonographers, as well as signs and symptoms to foster early detection.
• Discuss how managers and sonographers can lessen or prevent low morale from spreading throughout their department.
• Explain creative methods to reengage sonographers with positivity and passion in their careers.

This presentation explores principles and tools that support effective, transformational leadership in healthcare. It discusses strategies for continuous improvement, outlines processes for success at all levels, and highlights techniques leaders can use to empower teams and enhance quality of care.

• Discuss ideas and processes that support success for leaders at all levels.
• Explain the concept of continuous improvement and its relevance to leadership development.
• Outline tools and techniques that help leaders empower teams, improve processes, and enhance patient care quality.

This presentation helps technologists understand the fears and concerns of the student technologists, as well as introduces techniques to help them be more equipped to share their knowledge in a way that can best be received. Lastly, it helps the sonographer/radiographer make the connection between the modalities.

• Discuss useful techniques for delivering student feedback.
• Explain how to adjust teaching strategies for varying student skills and speed levels.
• Identify ways to focus on modifiable student behaviors.
• Discuss ways of helping radiography trained students relate to ultrasound.

This presentation explores how to successfully navigate the transition from staff sonographer to a leadership role of a department or team in hospitals and/or ambulatory clinics. Sonographers will learn about the opportunities and challenges involved in taking on additional responsibilities.

• Discuss firsthand experiences with transitioning from sonographer to manager.
• Explain what leadership is and the prerequisites associated with becoming a manager or leader.
• Describe how to take advantage of both internal and external professional opportunities for sonographers with leadership aspirations.

This presentation provides an overview of the role the sonographer plays in the guided-injection process. It includes discussion of the common injections and injection sites, setting up the procedure room, equipment involved, drawing up medications, preparing the patient, and many more facets of the process.

• Describe the proper room setup for a guided-injection procedure.
• Explain needle guidance from the sonographer’s point of view.
• Discuss the sonographer’s role in guided-injection procedures.

This introductory-level musculoskeletal ultrasound presentation offers an overview of the major bony landmarks used in sonographic evaluation of the elbow, wrist, ankle, knee, and hip. Attention is given to developing an understanding of the location, method of identification, and the importance of each landmark to each region or joint. Once this foundation has been established, the utilization of each landmark in the completion of an ultrasound examination is also introduced.

• Identify and locate major bony landmarks of the elbow, wrist, ankle, knee, and hip.
• Describe ultrasound bony landmarks used in musculoskeletal examinations.
• Explain the use of landmarks for a musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation.

Accessory muscles and tendons are fairly common throughout the human body. They look like typical anatomy, but they are in atypical locations. Most commonly, they are asymptomatic incidental findings, but occasionally they can be a palpable mass, an impingement on peripheral nerves, or useful as surgical grafts. This presentation summarizes accessory muscles and tendons encountered over the past 10 years with the goal of shedding light on their common and uncommon locations.

• Recognize common locations where one may see an accessory muscle and tendon.
• Identify areas of possible peripheral nerve impingement.
• Describe the appearance of accessory muscles and tendons.

This presentation gives insight into ankle anatomy, and it will attempt to simplify the process of assessing the ankle by giving members a succinct protocol.

• Discuss the indications for performing a foot ultrasound.
• Identify the anatomy interrogated with the UWHC foot sonographic protocol.
• Identify structures seen in between the toes and in the plantar fascia.
• Discuss patient positioning in order to see the anatomical structures in the foot.

This presentation provides an introduction to sequencing and evaluation of hand and wrist structures using diagnostic medical sonography.

• Describe volar and dorsal anatomy sequencing.
• Discuss common pathologies found in the regions.
• Identify normal versus abnormal anatomy.

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostic medical ultrasound examination of the shoulder with a detailed description of the protocol used for the study, relevant anatomy, and pathology.

• Discuss normal shoulder 3D and sonoanatomy.
• Describe the scanning protocol.
• Recognize the sonographic appearance of common shoulder pathologies.

This presentation gives some insight into elbow anatomy and attempts to simplify the process of assessing the elbow by focusing on a succinct protocol.

• Discuss the indications for performing an elbow ultrasound.
• Identify the anatomy interrogated with the anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior elbow sonographic protocols.
• Identify structures seen anteriorly, medially, laterally, and posteriorly.
• Discuss patient positioning in order to see the anatomical structures in the elbow.

This presentation gives the audience some insight into knee anatomy and attempts to simplify the process of assessing the knee by focusing on a succinct protocol.

• Discuss transducer selection for a knee exam and image orientation.
• Identify structures seen on the anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial sides of the knee.
• Discuss what should be interrogated with the knee sonographic protocol.
• Discuss the indications for performing a knee sonogram.
• Discuss patient positioning in order to see the anatomical structures in the knee.

This presentation provides a complete tutorial for shoulder ultrasound and includes the rotator cuff, as well as the tendons and structures around it. For each structure being examined, there are slides outlining the anatomy of the tendon under examination followed by a demonstration of the scanning technique. The use of split screen allows a clear view of the transducer orientation on the patient’s shoulder alongside the resulting image. Tips and tricks are also included to help with easier patient and transducer positioning for best results.

• Discuss the basic anatomy and ultrasound appearances of the component tendons, muscles, and joints of the shoulder.
• Describe exam techniques including transducer placement and orientation.
• Identify how to position a patient for a shoulder ultrasound, including how to compensate for patient limitations.

This presentation covers peripheral nerve evaluation for the upper extremity with a special focus on the median, ulnar, and radial nerves, as well as potential areas of entrapment. Scanning techniques and associated anatomy are also discussed.

• Describe the normal and abnormal sonographic appearance of peripheral nerves.
• Identify the expected course of the median, ulnar, and radial nerves.
• Discuss areas of potential nerve entrapment in the upper extremity.

This presentation briefly reviews how 3D ultrasound data sets are acquired, and the many different ways that the data can be displayed. A majority of the lecture also covers multiple benefits of 3D technology and reviews the areas where 3D has not been shown to be particularly helpful.

• Discuss 3D ultrasound data acquisition.
• Identify the different types of 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging displays.
• Describe how 3D and 4D ultrasound can be best used in fetal and gynecologic sonography.

This presentation provides guidelines for sonographic evaluation of the fetal CNS.

• Identify first trimester features that can be used to evaluate normal development of the central nervous system (CNS).
• Identify anatomic features in the second trimester that are used to evaluate the CNS.
• Review the components of a fetal neurosonogram.

This presentation reviews Doppler ultrasonography practice guidelines in the assessment of the fetoplacental circulation.

• Describe Doppler ultrasonography practice guidelines in the assessment of fetal-placental circulation.
• Identify the appearance of abnormal Doppler waveforms associated with fetal hypoxia and anemia.
• Discuss techniques and practices to minimize measurement errors and improve reproducibility.

Fetal hydrops is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in at least two (pocket filled spaces) compartments within the fetus. Great care needs to be taken when evaluating abnormal fetal fluid collections as the diagnosis and prognosis is dependent on the amount and location of the fluid. This presentation discusses fetal hydrops and other abnormal fetal fluid collections in the first and second trimesters, and the significance of each.

• Define fetal hydrops.
• Compare the difference between immune hydrops vs nonimmune hydrops.
• Discuss treatments depending on the cause of the hydrops.

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Publications have shown that the use of low-dose aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of early and severe preeclampsia, but only if started prior to 16 weeks’ gestation. An effective first trimester algorithm for screening for preeclampsia has been developed by the Fetal Medicine Foundation. This presentation describes components of this algorithm, as well as the optimal dose and timing of aspirin administration for preeclampsia prevention.

• Describe the underlying mechanisms leading to the development of preeclampsia.
• Discuss the most current methods used to screen for preeclampsia including maternal uterine artery Doppler.
• List the most current methods used to decrease the incidence of preeclampsia.

Cell-free DNA testing is a great tool to screen for fetal chromosomal defects. However, this technology has a very narrow scope of use. Therefore, it must be a part of an overall screening strategy rather than using it in isolation. This presentation summarizes the benefits and limitations of the cell-free DNA technology and how to optimize its use by combining it with first trimester ultrasound screening.

• Describe the utility and limitations of cell-free DNA screening.
• Discuss screening approaches, which use the combination of first trimester combined screen and cell-free DNA.
• Explain the role of first trimester ultrasound beyond screening for chromosomal defects.

This presentation explores how sonographers have the ability to optimize images using a variety of available controls when conducting obstetric and gynecological ultrasound scans. Additionally, valuable principles and tips for image optimization are also discussed.

• Identify the five basic instrument choices for quality images.
• Discuss “Knobology Tips” to optimize imaging.
• Describe Doppler principles that apply "as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)" for high quality images.

This lecture presents an overview of the uterus as the major female reproductive organ through an introduction to normal uterine anatomy and malformations that can occur during ductal sex differentiation.

• Define embryology and ductal sex differentiation.
• Describe categories of Mullerian duct anomalies in relationship to ductal differentiation malformation.
• Identify uterine position, endometrium thickness at difference phases of the menstrual cycle, adenomyosis, fibroids, and ambiguous genitalia.

This presentation reviews standard anatomy within the fetal brain. As technology has improved, we are able to identify more structures, and perform a neurosonogram on the fetus. This presentation also provides a more in depth look at the neuroanatomy of the prenatal brain from first trimester to third trimester.

• Identify the cavum septum pellucidum and corpus callosum.
• List required neuroanatomy for the standard and detailed AIUM practice guidelines.
• Identify normal brain structures through all three trimesters.

This lecture reviews the anatomy and sonographic appearance of normal pediatric female reproductive organs. In addition, pathology specific to the pediatric female reproductive tract is discussed with the aid of actual patients’ sonographic images. Ultimately, common pitfalls that are associated with pediatric reproductive tract anomalies are also evaluated. The overall goal of this presentation is to enable sonographers to determine normal versus abnormal structures of the pediatric female reproductive tract and to prepare them for overcoming the common, associated pitfalls.

• Describe the normal anatomy of the female reproductive tract in the pediatric patient.
• Discuss pathology associated with the female reproductive tract in the pediatric patient.
• Recognize pitfalls associated with pathology of the female reproductive tract in the pediatric patient.

This presentation covers a thorough case study of a patient who has a history of posterior uterine rupture and repair in a prior pregnancy. Pregnant by IVF, the patient develops placenta accreta, and post-partum complications, after an emergency cesarean section.

• Discuss the patient's extensive history including the prior uterine rupture and repair.
• Describe placenta accreta on ultrasound and its affects during the pregnancy and delivery.
• Explain the post-partum complications that the patient experienced.

This presentation reviews the full range of prenatal genetic testing options, including both noninvasive and invasive methods. It also examines common sonographic findings linked to chromosomal anomalies and highlights the important role of genetic counseling in prenatal care.

• Describe the different types of prenatal screening offered that are noninvasive and invasive.
• Discuss sonographic findings most often associated with chromosome anomalies.
• Explain the importance and role of genetic counseling in prenatal care.

This presentation outlines the various sonographic soft markers related to fetal aneuploidy. Also, case presentations are covered which highlight the clinical significance for risk assessment using the presence or absence of sonographic soft markers.

• Describe prenatal genetic screening techniques.
• Identify the common sonographic soft markers attributed to fetal aneuploidy.
• Discuss sonographic images demonstrating soft markers.

This presentation covers a review of obstetric scanning with some tips and tricks to improve obtaining and identifying fetal anatomy.

• Identify normal fetal anatomy.
• Describe fetal position and situs.
• Recognize pathology of the fetus.

The importance of amniotic fluid to fetal and maternal well-being is often overlooked but cannot be overstated as it is often the first clue of an underlying problem. We will discuss current methods of evaluation as well as scanning techniques. This talk is the second in a two-part presentation focusing on oligohydramnios and their implications.

• Describe the role of amniotic fluid (AF) and discuss its production and removal.
• State different methods of AF evaluation.
• Define oligohydramnios.
• Define anomalies and their US findings associated with oligohydramnios.

The importance of amniotic fluid to fetal and maternal well-being is often overlooked but cannot be overstated as it is often the first clue of an underlying problem. We will discuss current methods of evaluation as well as scanning techniques. This talk is the first in a two-part presentation focusing on polyhydramnios and their implications.

• Describe the role of amniotic fluid (AF) and discuss its production and removal.
• State different methods of AF evaluation.
• Define polyhydramnios.
• Define anomalies and their US findings associated with polyhydramnios.

Ultrasound protocols developed and validated by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Group (IOTA) improve the ability of the clinician to pre-operatively determine the likelihood of malignancy for adnexal lesions.

• Define terminology established by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Group for evaluating adnexal lesions.
• Describe sonographic features associated with varying risks of malignancy in ovarian lesions.
• Explain how to apply the IOTA easy descriptors, simple rules, and Assessment of Different neoplasias in the adnexa (ADNEX) model during ovarian lesion evaluation.

This presentation covers how ultrasound evaluation of ovarian tumors can be used to determine the likelihood of malignancy by using protocols validated by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group (IOTA) including simple rules, easy descriptors, and the ADNEX model.

• Define International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group (IOTA) terminology.
• Identify sonographic features of both benign and malignant adnexal masses.
• Describe simple rules, easy descriptors, and the ADNEX model.

This presentation covers a demonstration of normal fetal heart position, size, function and rhythm by fetal ultrasound during the anatomy scan with video clips of abnormalities of structure and function.

• Discuss a basic checklist of fetal heart structures for use during the fetal anatomy scan and how to identify abnormalities using video clips.
• Describe common errors of missed anomalies during a fetal anatomy scan.
• Discuss a wide variety of structural and functional fetal cardiac anomalies that should be followed with a formal fetal echocardiogram.

This presentation covers the echocardiographic evaluation of atrial and ventricular septal defects in the pre and post-operative settings, including pre- and post-procedural evaluation after trans-catheter device closure of atrial and ventricular septal defects.

• Identify normal atrial and ventricular septal anatomy.
• Identify types of atrial and ventricular septal defects.
• Identify basic shunt physiology.
• Discuss focus of exam for pre- and post-op assessment.
• Recognize associated structural abnormalities.

This presentation reviews the segmental approach to cardiac defects, define tricuspid atresia, examine the functional single ventricle, and discuss surgical palliation.

• Define the anatomic features of tricuspid atresia.
• Explain the segmental approach to heart defects.
• Explain the types, diagnostic questions, and ECHO findings associated with tricuspid atresia.
• Examine the functional single ventricle.
• Discuss the stated surgical palliation.

A joint presentation between the AIUM and SDMS covering neonatal brain sonography.

• Describe techniques used to acquire high quality encephalograms.
• Discuss neonatal brain sonographic anatomy.
• Recognize commonly encountered pathological appearances.
• Identify uses of Doppler sonography in neonatal brain ultrasound.

This presentation discusses fetal brain central nervous system screening for abnormalities.

• Review and screen the fetal brain and central nervous system according to AIUM and ISUOG guidelines.
• Recognize normal and abnormal sonographic structures starting in the first trimester.
• List tips and pearls to improve screening of the fetal brain and spine.

This presentation uncovers various pediatric GI problems, including pyloric stenosis, appendicitis, colitis, ileitis, and Crohn's disease. Additionally, various appearances of these diseases and helpful tools to increase the confidence in diagnosis is discussed.

• Describe helpful scanning techniques and the things that need to be included in a complete exam.
• Review some reasons we should be concerned about radiation exposure, and why sonography is increasingly promoted over CT.
• Discuss some of the common presentations and learn how to differentiate between the different pathologies.

This presentation reviews ultrasound examinations that are commonly ordered and performed on patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), such as neonatal brain and chest. In addition, indications for performing examinations on patients in the NICU are also reviewed. Lastly, the use of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in the NICU is explained.

• Discuss ultrasound examinations that are commonly ordered in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
• Identify indications for performing ultrasound examinations on patients in the NICU.
• Explain how point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is useful in a NICU setting.

This presentation presents helpful information for performing ultrasounds that are frequently ordered in the pediatric emergency department.

• Discuss clinical symptoms for pediatric ultrasound exams frequently ordered in the emergency department.
• Discuss protocols for enhancing the efficiency of pediatric ultrasound exams frequently ordered in the emergency department.
• Identify sonographic signs of pediatric pathology.

This presentation reviews establishing a hands-on point of care ultrasound (POCUS) program in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) including curriculum, schedules, and certification.

• Explain the importance of sonographers performing hands-on teaching.
• Describe methods of teaching hands-on sonography to physicians and nurse practitioners.
• Discuss volunteer opportunities to share sonography career experience.

This presentation helps sonographers become familiar with the anatomy of the developing hip, as well as risk factors that may lead to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The presentation covers basic scanning protocols and includes the images needed for a comprehensive examination. Finally, how to evaluate the pediatric hip for a potential hip effusion is discussed.

• Describe the anatomy of the developing hip and a basic protocol for evaluating the infant for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
• Discuss risk factors that can lead to DDH, as well as various treatments for these patients.
• Explain how to evaluate the pediatric patient for a hip effusion.

Pediatric patients often present a clinical and diagnostic challenge. This presentation discusses common indications for pediatric sonography including appendicitis, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, intussusception, and torsion.

• Identify common pediatric pathology through case study review.
• Discuss practical techniques and useful search patterns.
• Describe pitfalls and mimics.

This presentation provides an overview of what a sonographer can expect if serving as an expert witness in medicolegal litigation, including personal experiences as an expert witness.

• Discuss how to be retained as an expert witness.
• Describe the duties and course of a case, and compensation potential.
• Recognize how expert witnessing can improve sonographic practice.

This presentation covers how sonographers and vascular technologists can get involved in research, with their results possibly being directly used in developing new ways to treat patients. Additionally, this presentation gives sonographers and vascular technologists insight into the conduct of rigorous and reliable ultrasound product evaluation.

• Describe bench-to-bedside clinical research and its impact on patient care.
• Identify the potential research roles of sonographers and vascular technologists, such as enrolling and consenting participants and collecting data from them.
• Discuss three levels of user experience—utility, usability, and desirability—that are fundamental to product evaluation and discuss how they relate to new ultrasound equipment.

This presentation explores the use of ePortfolios as a tool for reflection and professional growth in sonography. It reviews strategies for self-assessment, guides the creation of ePortfolios, and examines examples and goals to support continuous skill development.

• Review strategies for reflecting on personal sonography skills.
• Describe the purpose and components of an electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) for sonographers.
• Discuss examples of ePorfolios and professional goal-setting techniques.

Designing a curriculum is one of the most important parts for any course or class development and may seem a little overwhelming at first. However, this learning activity will help you learn how to divide up and organize your development process, while staying focused on keeping your content aligned with your learning outcomes. Topics include identifying goals and learning objectives, determining expected outcomes, selecting effective teaching strategies targeted at the intended audience, and discussing methods for course implementation and course evaluation.

• Describe how to design a curriculum outline to align with goals and learning objectives.
• Explain how to create a comprehensive syllabus and lesson plan.
• Recognize how to develop assessment tools for evaluating a student’s cognitive knowledge and performance of learned skills.
• Identify evaluation strategies to measure course effectiveness.

Original research design is a crucial part of any scientific investigation. It involves a systematic approach to developing a study plan that addresses a specific research question, and is aimed at generating new knowledge that can be used to advance a particular field. The primary purpose of original research design is to ensure that a study is well-designed, valid, reliable, and can be replicated, while minimizing the potential for bias and error.

• Identify an appropriate research question.
• Identify an appropriate research methodology.
• Select a sample of participants.
• Conduct a data collection process for an original research design.
• Interpret the results and draw conclusions on an original research study.

This presentation focuses on different team philosophies and the need for a team that supports one another in good and challenging times.

• List the four practices of FISH.
• Discuss the South African philosophy of Ubuntu.
• Describe methods to help bolster morale.

How an applicant presents themselves when applying and interviewing for entry-level sonography jobs can make the difference between being a top candidate and being overlooked. This presentation provides suggestions and guidance for creating a strong resume and cover letter, and how to best prepare for and complete an effective in-person interview. In addition, the impact of social media is also discussed.

• Identify the necessary requirements for applying for an entry-level sonographer position.
• Describe what should be included in an effective resume and cover letter.
• Discuss various interview techniques when job-seeking.

This workshop is geared towards SDMS student members and will assist them in identifying strategies they may utilize to gain the most they can from their clinical rotations in Ultrasound.

• Effectively communicate with Sonographer mentors, radiologists, and other staff members in a clinical setting.
• Effectively incorporate the didactic components of their training with the clinical component.
• Gain knowledge and insight into time management, networking, and establishing positive and productive connections within the ultrasound field.

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of infection prevention and control practices, focusing on best practices for reprocessing ultrasound transducers. Learners will cover infection risks, Spaulding Classification, pre-procedure preparation, infection control during and after procedures, and continuous quality improvement.

• Recognize common infection risks in the ultrasound suite and their potential impact on patient and staff safety.
• Explain the Spaulding Classification System used to classify and reprocess medical equipment.
• Identify evidence-based best practices for pre-, during-, and post-procedure care to minimize infection risks.
• Describe accurate documentation of infection prevention measures to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

This learning activity reviews various instructional methodologies that can be used in a diagnostic medical sonography program. For each methodology, the approach is named and described, potential advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and best practices are recommended.

• Identify three distinct instructional methods.
• Recognize the fundamentals of four instructional methodologies.
• Identify the benefits and disadvantages of each instructional methodology.
• Discuss best practices for implementing each instructional methodology.

This activity provides an overview of the problem of "Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders" (WRMSDs) among sonographers, outlines the causes of these disorders, and the role that sonographers, employers, equipment manufacturers, educational programs, and the sonography and medical community play in the prevention and elimination of WRMSDs.

• Identify work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).
• Discuss some of the key causes of WRMSDs among sonographers.
• Outline the impact of WRMSDs on a sonographer, their colleagues, and their employer.
• Describe key strategies for reducing or preventing WRMSDs among sonographers.

This presentation reviews proper communication techniques and strategies for communicating with patients in order to obtain a good clinical history. It discusses the elements of a good history and provides general examples of the types of questions sonographers should be asking their patients. Finally, this presentation discusses the importance of a good clinical history for both the interpreting physician and the sonographer performing the exam.

• Discuss proper communication techniques for obtaining a good clinical history from a patient.
• Identify the elements of a good clinical history.
• Describe the importance of clinical history to both the interpreting physician and the sonographer performing the exam.

“Thinking lean” involves looking for ways to reduce or eliminate waste in time, movement, money, or anything else considered a resource. This presentation explores diverse ways sonographers can “Think lean” and maximize their work productivity by applying easy-to-learn techniques.

• Define what it means to “Think lean.”
• Discuss lean skills that can be used in the workplace.
• Describe lean skills that can be used in everyday life.

This presentation examines the role of ultrasound in clinical trials, both as a primary and secondary endpoint. It emphasizes the importance of the sonographer’s contributions to trial success and clarifies the respective responsibilities of clinical research organizations and sonographers.

• Describe how ultrasound can support primary and secondary endpoints in clinical trials.
• Explain the importance of the sonographer’s role in the success of clinical trials.
• Discuss the respective roles of clinical research organizations and sonographers in clinical trial workflows.

The 50th anniversary of the SDMS deserves celebration. The SDMS founder, Joan Baker, is pleased to share highlights from the last 50 years during this presentation.

• Discuss where the sonography profession came from and how it developed over 50 years.
• Compare the early days to those of today, and see how much progress has been made both in technology and the practice of sonography.
• Describe how the SDMS overcame multiple challenges and grew into the largest association for sonographers and sonography students in the world.

This presentation provides concrete resources for optimizing the sonographic image in multiple modalities. A review of which tools to use for image enhancement is discussed and interactive discussions are included regarding how the images need to be improved and which controls will make those improvements.

• Discuss what image optimization encompasses and why it is important.
• Describe how the image needs to be improved and which tools will provide the needed enhancements.
• List best practices for image optimization.

This presentation is a review of basic ultrasound concepts related to axial, lateral, spatial, temporal, and contrast resolution. This presentation utilizes concept mapping during the review in the hopes to connect basic principles of ultrasound physics into meaningful categories in preparation to challenge the ARDMS SPI exam.

• List 5 types of image resolution.
• Describe the basic parameters of sound properties.
• Use concept mapping to classify basic principles of sound as they relate to image resolution.

This presentation covers a self-evaluation exercise in Doppler principles.

• Explain how the Doppler Effect is applied in sonography.
• Discuss the dependence of Doppler Shift on Doppler Angle.
• Describe the two primary ways to correct for aliasing.

This presentation reviews abdominal vascular analysis and explains Doppler analysis of the key abdominal vessels. Additionally, it covers the changes that occur in the presence of pathology and provides a case presentation examples.

• Describe normal waveform patterns in abdominal vascular analysis.
• Explain waveform pattern changes that occur with common pathology of the abdomen.
• Identify common pathology in case presentations.

The treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) has advanced significantly in the past ten years, in large part because of the utilization of ultrasound. This presentation discusses the sonographer's role in the pre-operative planning, intraoperative management, and post-operative follow-up of patients with CVI and the impact this has on successful outcomes.

• Determine appropriate techniques for a complete venous insufficiency examination.
• Explain how a sonographer can participate in venous ablation procedures.
• Describe the success of ablation procedures in follow-up examinations.

This presentation examines the important role iliac vein compression (ILVC) plays in the management of venous disease. The presenter discusses protocols and scan techniques for iliac vein duplex and explains how the lower extremity venous duplex can increase acuity in the diagnosis of proximal pathology.

• Describe the influence of abdominal and pelvic pathology on lower extremity venous disease.
• Discuss hemodynamic effects of iliac vein compression (ILVC) on the venous waveform and diagnostic criteria to increase correlation.
• Recall how to identify patients who have iliac or pelvic vein disease.

Risk management looks to minimize medical errors, financial loss, and failure to comply with regulations. Enterprise risk management looks to create additional value to the organization by implementing risk management programs. This presentation shows the value of incorporating risk management measures in the vascular lab to increase the overall organizational value.

• Identify opportunities to minimize financial, safety, and compliance risks in the vascular lab.
• Discuss a program to assess risk in the vascular lab, including documentation and reporting.
• Describe how to control risk associated with vascular lab operations and turn those risks into opportunities to increase volume, decrease complications, and improve the overall health in the community.

Vascular sonography plays an integral role in the monitoring and maintenance of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and grafts for dialysis access. This lecture defines end-stage renal disease (ESRD), discusses the types of AV accesses that can be surgically created for dialysis, and the role of sonography in the care of these patients.

• Define chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
• Discuss hemodialysis as a treatment option for ESRD.
• Describe the role of sonography in the creation of AV vascular access for hemodialysis.

This presentation briefly explains the importance of recognizing vascular disease through the interpretation of spectral waveforms. The target audience is current sonographers working in the vascular field and students sonographers preparing for their Vascular credential or the Ultrasound Physics Instrumentation exam.

• Interpret the Poiseuille’s Equation.
• Recognize the hemodynamic changes before, during, and after stenosis.
• Explain vascular disease based on the interpretation of spectral waveforms.

Determining the presence and extent of portal hypertension can be challenging. This presentation covers a discussion of its causes, sonographic findings, and optimal scanning techniques.

• Define portal hypertension and identify its common causes.
• Describe grayscale and Doppler ultrasound findings in portal hypertension.
• Discuss scanning techniques and equipment settings that will optimize the ability to make an accurate diagnosis of portal hypertension.

This presentation reviews the importance of diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) in the contemporary management of acute pulmonary embolism, as well as discusses pulmonary embolism response teams.

• Discuss the clinical significance of venous thromboembolism.
• Describe why patients deteriorate with acute pulmonary embolism.
• Explain echocardiographic signs of acute pulmonary embolism.

This presentation covers pathophysiology, equipment set-up, ancillary tools, dynamic optimization and scan techniques for the noninvasive diagnosis of lower extremity venous insufficiency syndrome.

• Describe the clinical diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and the science-based criteria for its noninvasive diagnosis.
• Discuss a detailed protocol for the diagnosis of CVI to include multiple methods for provoking venous reflux to support prospective intervention(s).
• Explain science-based methodology that is safe for the patient and sonographer.

A mesenteric duplex exam can be overwhelming for sonographers of varying experience since it is not often requested. This presentation familiarizes covers anatomy and commonly encountered pathology. A mesenteric duplex protocol is reviewed, as well as tips and tricks to avoid pitfalls to ensure a diagnostic exam is achieved.

• Describe the mesenteric anatomy that should be evaluated during a complete exam.
• Discuss a mesenteric duplex protocol.
• Recognize commonly encountered pitfalls and how to avoid them.

This presentation discusses May, Thurner, and the syndrome they described for us a century ago. Additionally, it covers the epidemiology, clinical signs and symptoms, sonographic evidence of May-Thurner Syndrome, and treatments.

• Discuss the definition, epidemiology, and history of May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS).
• Explain clinical signs and symptoms.
• Identify sonographic evidence of MTS.
• Discuss treatment of MTS.

Manufacturers often minimize the importance of the post-ablation ultrasound. This presentation covers optimal post-ablation protocols and their impact on your vein practice, as well as classification and management of endothermal heat-induced thrombus (EHIT).

• Discuss how the post-ablation protocol impacts patient satisfaction and quality scores after an endovenous ablation.
• Describe how endothermal heat-induced thrombus (EHIT) is classified, its appearance, and clinical management.
• Recall how to determine and evaluate EHIT level and to differentiate between EHIT classifications sonographically.

This presentation reviews the elements of renal artery studies including normal anatomy, variations, and doppler evaluation. It also strongly focuses on doppler and image evaluations and evaluation of normal and abnormal findings.

• Describe normal waveform patterns related to renal stenosis evaluation studies.
• Explain waveform pattern changes that occur with common pathologies that impact renal vasculature.
• Identify common pathology in the clinical setting.

Sometimes, the technology that was meant to help can actually lead to potential errors. This lecture covers some of these areas and investigates interesting vascular cases.

• Recognize when to “go with the flow” and when to NOT “go with the flow.”
• Explain why it is not always advisable to follow in the footsteps of previous exams.
• Discuss interesting pathology found during vascular exams and describe how to properly document it to help achieve an accurate diagnosis.

This presentation covers how to optimize the Doppler aspect of an exam.

• List the Doppler controls.
• Describe how to properly use the color velocity scale control.
• Discuss Doppler angles.