CTG 231 - CT Procedures and Pathophysiology II

1. Identify the indicated CT procedure for specific anatomical structures, patient symptoms or pathology.
2. Discuss considerations when using contrast media in CT procedures.
3. Describe modifications necessary in standard protocols to account for weight and age changes in the patient.
4. List accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure protocol.
5. Discuss dose reduction protocols for pediatric patients.
6. Review cardiac anatomy, cardiac physiology, coronary vasculature and congenital anomalies.
7. Discuss scanning techniques for Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
8. Compare 2-D and 3-D demonstrating the anatomy/pathology for given CT exams. 

II. Identify the indicated CT procedure for specific anatomical structures, patient symptoms or pathology.

III. Describe proper procedures for patient screening.

IV. Educate the patient on the general aspects of CT and the specifics of the CT procedure.

V. Specify the patient preparation required for each procedure.

VI. Determine if contrast media is indicated for a specific procedure and if indicated, name the type and specify the dosage and route of administration.

VII. Determine from patient medical laboratory results, patient history and charted information if the use of contrast media is contraindicated and explain why.

VIII. Describe the conditions that require a patient to grant informed consent in writing for a CT procedure.

IX. Describe modifications necessary in standard protocols to account for weight and age changes in the patient. 

X. List the range, anatomical landmarks, patient orientation and position, and technical factors for adults and pediatric patients used to produce scout and scan images for a given procedure.

XI. Provide correct information concerning the scan field of view (SFOV), display field of view (DFOV), scan mode, algorithm, gantry angle, technical factors, scan range, table incrementation and slice thickness (z-axis) selection for each procedure.

XII. List accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure protocol.

XIII. Explain why different window width and levels are selected.

XIV. List the required imaging planes for each procedure.

XV. Determine the correct matrix size selection for each procedure studied.

XVI. List the information that should be noted on each scout and scan image.

XVII. Perform any non-routine procedure tasks associated with CT procedures.

XVIII. Adapt conventional scanning parameters for CT procedures of the head and neck to spiral mode and explain the differences.

XIX. Differentiate between scanning parameters for conventional vs. spiral procedures.

XX. Explain current trends in CT image archiving.

XXI. List post-procedure patient instructions for each procedure.

XXII. Pathology

A. Define common terms used in the study of pathology.

B. Name the common pathological conditions affecting any of the body systems studied in this course.

C. For each common pathological condition identified in the course: Describe the disorder, List the etiology, Name the associated symptoms, Name the common means of diagnosis, List characteristic CT manifestations of the pathology.

D. Identify each of the pathological conditions studied on CT images.

E. Identify pathology resulting from trauma on CT images.

F. Identify pathology identified with CT commonly associated only in pediatric patients.

XXIII. Pathophysiology

A. Describe the physiological response in inflammation and cell injury due to pathological insult

B. Assess the predictive factors, including genetics, lifestyles, age, and environment as they influence the development of cancer and associated diseases.

C. Compare the body’s response to hereditary, lifestyle, age, and environmental factors.

D. Given a specific oncologic-related disease, determine probable diagnostic, prognostic, staging, grading, and the rationale for the appropriate therapeutic pathway.

E. Given the histology of a neoplasm, determine the tumor characteristics.

F. Given a common disease, anticipate the effects of the disease on the oncologic patient.

XXIV. Post Processing

A. Describe the benefits of post-processing of digital images.

B. Describe how to query a CAPS/CT system to retrieve appropriate study.

C. Identify the imaging system requirements for 2-D planar and 3-D volumetric post-processing.

D. Determine the requirements of source data to create 3-D reformations.

E. Differentiate classifications of post-processing techniques

1. Slice imaging

2. Projective imaging

3. Volume imaging

F. Describe the processing techniques to take 2-D axial images to construct: Multiplanar reformation (MPR), Curved planar reformation (cMPR), Surface rendering (SR) or 3-D shaded surface displays (SSD), Volume rendered images (VR), Maximum intensity projections (MIP), Minimum intensity projections (MinIP), Average intensity projections (AIP or AVE)

G. Determine the proper window/level (W/L) for display.

H. Recognize how to make 2-D and 3-D measurements.

I. Apply the 2-D and 3-D post-processing that best demonstrates the anatomy/pathology for given CT exams.

J. Identify methods to improve image quality for post-processed images to include errors: a. Acquisition of CT source images b. Protocol selection c. Patient instructions

K. Recognize the key artifacts on post processed images.

PowerPoint/Lecture: 40-50%

Discussions: 20-30%

Activities: 20-30%

Research: 10-20%

Grading Scale

100 - 93     A                      73 - 72       C

 92 - 90     A-                     71 - 70        C-

 89 - 87     B+                    69 - 67        D+

 86 - 83     B                      66 - 63        D

 82 - 76     B-                     62 - 60        D-

 75 - 74     C+                   59 or less     E

A score will be based on total points earned from a combination of exams, quizzes, discussion board responses, and individual assignments. The score will then be converted to a percentage.

***The college issuing the terminal award of a degree or certificate determines the acceptable passing grade required to secure the degree or certificate upon program completion.  Students are responsible to be knowledgeable of the certificate/degree requirements of their degree/certificate granting college and strive to meet those requirements in each course so that they can qualify for the certificate/degree upon completion of the program.  Refer to the college catalog should you have any questions.

Exams                                     

Discussion Questions               

Assignments                            

Essay Project                           

Final Exam