Course Description
Diffuse liver diseases encompass a wide range of viral, metabolic, cholestatic, or autoimmune conditions as well as vascular diseases that typically originate in the right upper quadrant (RUQ). As is often ordered by clinicians, sonography is often the first imaging procedure that is used for diagnostic investigation in this area as it is a low-cost, widely available modality. New sonographic imaging techniques are grouped into software that optimizes existing 2-dimensional (D) B-mode grayscale ultrasound scans and newer adjunctive imaging techniques. In order for clinicians to accurately diagnose patients with liver, gallbladder (GB), and/or biliary tract diseases or conditions, it is imperative that radiologic technologists are well versed in performing both traditional and more detailed sonographic imaging studies. This course provides a thorough review of the anatomical regions of the RUQ, specifically the liver, GB, and biliary tract as well as their structure and function. Recommended sonographic imaging techniques will be reviewed including 2D B-mode grayscale, color Doppler, and contrast-enhanced sonography, elastography, and fusion imaging, among several others. Ideal scanning techniques for each study and anatomy as well as common benign and malignant pathologies that may be encountered and correlation to their sonographic findings are detailed. Interventional procedures including sonography-guided biopsy, abscess drainages, and radiofrequency ablation techniques will also be discussed. A review of basic sonography physics, instrumentation, transducer types, and common artifacts will also be provided. Extensive examples of how different pathologies and procedures appear on screen are included.

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:

• IDENTIFY the function and anatomy of the liver, gallbladder (GB), and extrahepatic biliary system.
• OUTLINE the risk factors for, significant clinical history, physical examination procedures and results, and laboratory test results for patients who may be at risk for developing liver disease.
• EXPLAIN the basic principles and concepts of, instrumentation for, and techniques used for sonographic imaging of the liver, GB, and extrahepatic biliary system.
• DIFFERENTIATE the most common types of benign and malignant hepatic lesions.
• DESCRIBE the sonographic findings of the GB and common bile duct stones.
• SUMMARIZE the sonographic appearance of the liver as well as associated pathology and 2-dimensional (2D) B-mode scanning techniques.
• COMPARE and CONTRAST the primary roles, benefits, and drawbacks of the use of 2D B-mode sonography in evaluating patients with liver disease.
• DESCRIBE the roles that Doppler, contrast enhancement, and elastography play in diagnosing patients with liver disease.
• RESTATE the American College of Radiology's Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (US LI-RADS) classifying and staging patients with liver disease.
• DIFFERENTIATE minimally invasive biopsy techniques used to obtain cytologic samples when performing sonography-guided liver biopsies and associated hepatic interventional procedures.

Categories: Ultrasound/Sonography

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 32 out of 42 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 5.25 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for technical credits).

Texas Direct Credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.