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Advanced Cardiac Ultrasound

Unit code: CSN024
Credit points: 12
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This unit extends and builds on the content of units PCN259 and PCN359 by introducing more advanced applications of echocardiography. In particular, this unit covers the role of echocardiography in the assessment of complex cardiac diseases such as diastolic dysfunction, pericardial disease, cardiac masses, systemic diseases with cardiac involvement and congenital heart defects. An understanding of other diagnostic imaging methods of the heart is important complementary nature of diagnostic testing. The aim of the unit is to provide students with a detailed understanding of advanced applications of echocardiographic techniques, a sound knowledge of new and evolving echocardiographic techniques and an appreciation of the role of other diagnostic imaging tests in cardiac assessment.

Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 2 Yes

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit extends and builds on the content of units CSN022 (formerly coded PCN259) and CSN023 (formerly coded PCN359) by introducing more advanced applications of echocardiography. In particular, this unit covers the role of echocardiography in the assessment of complex cardiac diseases such as diastolic dysfunction, pericardial disease, cardiac masses, systemic diseases with cardiac involvement and congenital heart defects. An understanding of other diagnostic imaging methods of the heart is important complementary nature of diagnostic testing.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide you with a detailed understanding of advanced applications of echocardiographic techniques, a sound knowledge of new and evolving echocardiographic techniques and an appreciation of the role of other diagnostic imaging tests in cardiac assessment.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and applications of echocardiographic and Doppler techniques to the assessment of:


    • Diastolic function of the left heart

    • Pericardial disease

    • Restrictive cardiomyopathies

    • Cardiac masses

    • Systemic causes of cardiac disease.


  2. Describe the indications, and techniques used for the echocardiographic assessment of congenital heart lesions, including post surgical repair, in the adult patient.


  3. Describe of the basic principles and applications, clinical indications and limitations of specialised and advanced echocardiographic techniques including:


    • Stress echocardiography

    • Contrast echocardiography

    • Transoesophageal echocardiography (including the role in operating room)

    • 3D/4D echocardiography

    • Strain and strain rate imaging

    • Role of echo in the assessment of dysynchrony / cardiac resynchronisation therapy.


  4. Explain the main principles, advantages and disadvantages of other modern diagnostic assessment methods that may be used in the assessment of the heart, including cardiac angiography, nuclear medicine, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT.

Content

The unit covers the following topic areas:

  • Echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function

  • The echocardiographic assessment of:

    • Pericardial disease including constrictive pericarditis

    • Restrictive cardiomyopathies

    • Cardiac masses (including tumours, infective endocarditis, thrombus and artefacts)

    • Systemic diseases with cardiac involvement

  • The echocardiographic assessment of adult congenital heart lesions including:

    • Shunt lesions

    • Stenotic lesions

    • Cyanotic lesions

    • Post-surgical repair of congenital heart lesions in the adult patient

    • Stress echocardiography in the assessment of ischaemic heart disease and valvular heart disease.

  • Introduction to transoesophageal echocardiography

  • New and evolving techniques and technological advances in echocardiography including:

    • 3D echocardiography

    • Contrast agents

    • Strain and strain rate

    • Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)

  • The role/s, advantages and disadvantages of other cardiac diagnostic imaging methods including:

    • Nuclear medicine

    • Computer tomography (CT)

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

    • Cardiac angiography

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit combines face-to-face and on-line lectures, discussions, in-class demonstrations and computer-based material for self-paced problem solving exercises. Lecture timing will be advised prior to the start of semester.

Assessment

Previous theory exam papers are available on the Blackboard site for this unit. An answer outline/guide for questions on the recent past exam paper will be provided to highlight the information required to answer these questions.Individual formative feedback relating to the Case-based assessment will be provided via the Blackboard site for this unit. Results for the Case-based assessment and Multiple Choice Questions will be displayed under My Grades on the Blackboard site for this unit.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Formative and summative). This case-based problem solving task involves the interpretation of 'real life' echocardiographic examinations, the performance of relevant echocardiographic calculations and recognition of the limitations of the examination in answering the clinical question.
Relates to objectives: 1-2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late semester

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: (Formative and summative). A series of multiple choice questions are presented as self-paced exercises on the Blackboard site. These questions specifically relate to Advanced Imaging Techniques.
Relates to objectives: 3-4
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late semester

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: (Summative) Theory Examination
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central exam period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended text:

Anderson, B. (2007). Echocardiography: The Normal Examination and Echocardiographic Measurements(2nd ed.). Brisbane: MGA Graphics. (This text is strongly recommended for all students)

Other References and Recommended Reading:

Oh, J.K., Tajik, A.J., & Seward, J.B. (2006). The Echo Manual (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Otto, C.M. (2009). Textbook of Clinical Echocardiography (4th ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

Reynolds, T. (2007). The Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference (3rd ed.). Phoenix, Ariz.: Arizona Heart Foundation.

Reynolds, T. (2002). The Pediatric Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference (3rd ed.). Phoenix, Ariz.: Arizona Heart Foundation.

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography

Recent and current journals related to cardiology and echocardiography

Course Material Database

Academic Integrity Kit

On-line lecture material and interactive self-assessment exercises on the Blackboard site

Discussion Board

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 12-Dec-2012