Sonography of Superficial Structures Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Allied Health 124</p>

Office Hours

As posted on office door

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

DMSO-2353-001 Sonography of Superficial Structures

Prerequisites

Course Description

Detailed study of normal and pathological superficial structures as related to scanning techniques, patient history and laboratory data, transducer selection and scanning protocols.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography, 8th Edition, Hagen-Ansert 

Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography, 8th Edition, Hagen-Ansert Workbook

Ultrasound Scanning, Principles and Protocols, 3rd Edition, Betty Bates/Tempkin

Supplies

Laptop with webcam, notebooks, pens, pencils, page protectors

Student Performance

Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts, and other course materials, the student should accomplish the following course goals as evaluated by the course instructor using written exams and methods, oral presentations, visual presentations and teaching opportunities with class mates:

BREAST:

OBJECTIVES:

Describe breast anatomy and sonographic layers and landmarks

Discuss breast physiology

Know the difference between breast screening and breast imaging

Summarize the indication for the use of ultrasound in breast imaging

Describe the correct technique for imaging the breast using ultrasound

Know how to use methods of identifying and labeling breast anatomy and masses

Identify the sonographic characteristics associated with benign and malignant breast masses

Identify the mammographic characteristic associated with malignant breast masses

Discuss ultrasound-guided interventional procedures

Identify normal and abnormal thyroid structures sonographically

Understand the lab findings in neck pathology

Understand thyroid biopsies

Perform protocols for breast, thyroid, MSK, testicles and infant hip

Understand land marks and techniques for scanning an infant hip

Be able to identify and differentiate muscles, tendons, nerves and vascular structures

Be able to identify qualities of a thyroid malignancy

Understand normal testicle anatomy

Know the pathology associated with the testicle

 

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Anatomy

     Normal anatomy, Axilla, Tail of Spence, Areola, Subcutaneous Layer, Mammary Layer, Retromammary Layer, Fatty Tissue, Cooper's Ligaments, Acini, Terminal Ductal Lobular Units (TDLU's)

Sonographic Appearance

     Boundaries, Areolar Area, Internal Nipple, Subcutaneous Fat, Cooper's Ligaments, Mammary/Glandular Tissue

Parenchymal Pattern

     Glandular, Fatty, Fibrous, Involution, Pregnancy

Vascular Supply

     Internal Mammary and Anterior Perforating Branches, Lateral Thoracic Arteries, Venous Drainage, Superficial Veins

Lymphatic System

     Flow and Route of Lymph, Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Male Breast

     Normal Anatomy, Gynecomastia

Physiology of Breast

     Primary Function, Ductal System, Milk Production

Breast Screening

     Diagnostic Breast Imaging, Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), Mammography, MRI, Sonography

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Possible Breast Cancer

     Breast Evaluation, Clinical Assessment, Screening Mammography, Diagnostic Breast Interrogation, Interventional Breast Procedures

Sonographic Evaluation of the Breast

     Indications for Sonographic Evaluation, Palpable Breast Lump, Dense Breasts, Pregnancy or Lactating Patient, Patient with Breast Augmentation, Patient with Difficult or Compromised Mammogram

Sonographic Technique

     Positioning, Scanning Technique, Annotation

Sonographic Characteristic of Breast Masses

     Margins, Disruption of Breast Architecture, Shape, Orientation, Internal Echo Pattern, Attenuation Effects, Mobility, Compressibility, Vascularity

Pathology

     Differential Diagnosis of Breast Masses

     Benign Masses:  Cysts, Fibrocystic Condition, Fibroadenoma, Lipoma, Fat Necrosis, Acute Mastitis, Chronic Mastitis, Abscess, Cystosarcoma Phyllodes, Intraductal Papilloma

     Malignant Conditions:  Atypcial Hyperplasia, Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS),  Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC),   Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS),  Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), Comedocarcinoma, Juvenile Breast Cancer, Papillary Carcinoma, PagetsDisease, Scirrhous Carcinoma, Medullary Carcinoma, Colloid Carcinoma,Tubular Carcinoma

Ultrasound Guided Interventional Procedures: 

     Cyst Aspiration, Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Drainage Procedures, Preoperative Needle Wire Localization, Large Core Needle Biopsy, Vacuum-Assisted Needle Biopsy, Sentinal Node Biopsy

 

 

THYROID and PARATHYROID GLANDS:

OBJECTIVES:

Describe texture, patterns and size of the normal thyroid and parathyroid glands

Define the relational anatomy of the thyroid and parathyroid

Discuss congenital anomalies that affect the thyroid

Differentiate the sonographic features of pathologic conditions found in the thyroid and parathyroid glands

 

Anatomy

     Size

Relational Anatomy

     Anterior, Posterior, Medial

Blood Supply

Thyroid Physiology and Lab Data

     Euthyroid, Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Tests of Thyroid Function

Pathology of Thyroid Gland

     Nodular Thyroid Disease, Hyperplasia, Goiter

     Benign Lesions: Cyst, Adenoma and Sonographic Findings

     Malignant Lesions:  Papillary Carcinoma and Sonographic Findings, Follicular Carcinoma and Sonographic Findings, Medullary Carcinoma and Sonographic Findings, Anaplastic Carcinoma and Sonographic Findings, Lymphoma

     Diffuse Thyroid Disease:  Thyroiditis, Subacute (de Quervains's) Thyroiditis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Graves Disease and Sonographic Findings

Anatomy of Parathyroid Glands

Parathyroid Physiology and Lab Data

Sonographic Evaluation of the Parathyroid Gland

Pathology of Parathyroid Gland:  Primary Hyperparathyroidism, Primary Hyperplasia, Adenoma and Sonographic Findings, Parathyroid Carcinoma, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Miscellaneous Neck Masses:  Thyroglassal Duct Cysts, Branchial Cleft Cyst, Abscess and Sonographic Findings, Lymphadenopathy and Sonographic Findings.

 

 

 

SCROTUM:

 

 

OBJECTIVES:

Identify normal anatomy of scrotum

Explain the vascular supply to the scrotal contents

Describe patient positioning, scanning protocol, and technical considerations for ultrasound examination of scrotum

Discuss the role of color and spectral Doppler in scrotal imaging

Describe the ultrasound characteristics of scrotal pathology

 

Anatomy:  Scrotum, Testes, Epididymis, Vas Deferens, Spermatic Cord, Tunica Albuginea, Mediastinum Testes, Tunica Vaginalis, Urethra

Vascular Supply:  Testicular Arteries, Centripetal Arteries, Recurrent Rami, Cremasteric and Differential Arteries, Pudendal Artery

     Venous Drainage:  Pampiniform Plexus, Testicular Veins

Patient Positioning and Scanning Protocol

Testicular Considerations:  Transducer Selection, Color, Spectral, Power Doppler, Gain, Pulse Repetition Frequency, Wall filter, Line Density, Threshold, Packet Size,  Color Box/Region of Interest

Congenital Anomalies:  Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicle) and Sonographic Findings, Testicular Ectopia, Anorchia, Polyorchidism (Testicular Duplication)

 

 

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

OBJECTIVES:

Identify the normal anatomic location and function of the tendon, ligament, muscle, nerves and bursa

Know advantages and disadvantages of sonographic artifacts in Musculoskeletal Imaging

Summarize the basic sonographic examinations of the should, wrist, knee, ankle and foot

Distinguish normal anatomy from common pathologic conditions

 

Anatomy of MSK System:  Normal Anatomy:  Muscle Fibers, Tendons, Nerves

Normal Sonographic Appearance:  Tendons, Ligaments, Muscle, Nerves, Bursa

Artifacts:  Anisotrophy, Reverberation, Refractile Shadowing, Time of Flight Artifact

Sonographic Evaluation of MSK System:  Rotator Cuff, Carpal Tunnel, Achilles Tendon

Pathology of MSK System:  Shoulder Biceps Tendon- Subluxation/dislocation, Rotator Cuff Tears, Partial-Thickness Tear, Full-Thickness Tear, Tendonitis, Muscle Tears, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Expected Student Behavior:

Courtesy and respect are expected among students and the instructor. Students are expected to be attentive to instructor and guests at all times and during presentations of other students.  Students are to extend the highest respect to patients/clients/others when making off campus contact.  Lack of regard to this expectation at any time by any single student or group of students may result in immediate dismissal from the classroom.

If a student has a concern with the course instructor, the following “due process” protocol will apply.  The student will follow the protocol steps in the order shown.

1.       Make every effort to resolve the concern directly with the course instructor. The instructor should be contacted by the student before the conclusion of the course.

2.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the course instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the immediate supervisor of the instructor within one week of the student–instructor meeting.

3.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the immediate supervisor of the instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the Allied Health Division chairperson within one week of the student–supervisor meeting.

4.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Allied Health division chairperson, the student should seek satisfaction from Assistant Dean of Career Technical programs within one week of the student–division chairperson meeting.

5.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the assistant dean, the student should seek satisfaction from the Vice-President and Dean of Instruction within one week of the student–Assistant Dean meeting.

6.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Vice-President and Dean of Instruction, the student should seek satisfaction from the college President within one week of the student–Vice-President meeting.

7.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the President, the student should seek satisfaction from the college Board of Regents at the next regular meeting of the Regents.  The decision of the Regents will be final.

COURSE ETHICS

Each student will be required to prepare written assignments and take written examinations as a part of this course.  Students should be absolutely aware of the instructor’s policies relative to the ethics regarding plagiarism and any other unethical student conduct that may occur relative to a scored activity.

PLAGIARISM is the theft of another person’s work or thinking.  Words as well as ideas are intellectual property and can be stolen from another person as easily as money or property.  As such, plagiarism can be a violation of criminal law. Copying the published work of another person is illegal without the express permission of that person (e.g. internet and journal articles). Portions of a published work may be quoted provided the quote is properly cited. Even in those cases where the law may not be technically violated, plagiarism is unethical.  Frankly, it is simply the wrong thing to do. In this course, it is also considered plagiarism to copy the work of another student. No student may  COPY ANOTHER STUDENT’S WORK on any assignment for credit even if permission is given.

Unethical conduct during a quiz or examination is also simply the wrong thing to do. To say the least, for a student pursuing a health-related career, unethical conduct may be considered a reliable predictor of unacceptable job performance in the medical environment. If a student makes a choice to “cheat” on a test, will that student also make similar choices relative to accurate patient care? This instructor takes the position that a dishonest student in the classroom may indeed pose a threat to the safety of any patient who comes into contact with that student.  Healthcare employers take a similar position. The health care industry and Amarillo College will not tolerate this type of unprofessionalism.       

At Amarillo College, there are grave academic penalties for any unethical conduct on the part of any student. The policy and penalty for such conduct is provided in the “General Catalog” as follows:

 

In this course, plagiarism, dishonesty, or any other unethical course conduct, is cause, at the minimum, for a final course grade of “F” regardless of other grades earned to-date in the course.  At the maximum, it may be cause to request the college administration to dismiss the student from the sonography program and Amarillo College.

WARNING!  This ethics policy is STRICTLY enforced!

Grading Criteria

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 92 - 100

B = 83 - 91

C = 75 - 82

F = less than 75

               Note:  A grade of "D" is not possible in this course

Decimal scores from all graded activities will be rounded as follows:

0.1 - 0.4            —         rounded down

0.5 - 0.9            —         rounded up

The final course average will be rounded in the same way.

 

Please see attendance policy for possible point deduction possibilities.

GRADING CRITERIA AND SCALE

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

 Tests and Final= 40%

 Quizzes = 20%

Case studies= 20%

 Scanning Assessments=20%

 

Late assignments will be given a 10 point deduction one day after the due date, 25 on day 2, 50 point deduction on day 3.  A zero will be given on anything later than 3 days.

When a final grade of “incomplete” is appropriate, a written contract to remove the “I” will be prepared by the course instructor and signed by the instructor and student. Normally, the grade of “I” must be converted to a passing grade within 90 days of the conclusion of the course. 

Under a very rare circumstance, a time extension of an additional 90 days is possible.  Each case will be handled on an individual basis and no one case shall set a precedent for another case.  If the “I” is not removed in accordance with the contract, the final course grade will be recorded as an “F”.

Tutoring is available and mandatory for any assignment grade below 75%.

Attendance

Due to classes only meeting once per week attendance is critical to your success.  Students are expected to attend each class session, take quizzes, tests and the final exam on the scheduled dates unless an excused absence is obtained. This absence must be reported before class on the day of the absence.

Excused absences are:

 (1) Extreme illness involving student or his/her immediate family (spouse, child, parent, grandparent or sibling)
 (2) Death in the student's immediate family.
 

Any absence other than listed above is considered unexcused.

If you miss a class you are responsible for all announcements, subject matter, and assignments for each class.

Only one absence is allowed per summer session. After the first absence, the student will be docked 10% from his/her final point total for the course.

Students may not take more than one makeup quizzes and/or tests per course.  Make-up quizzes/exams are only given if the instructor is notified prior to class time, and the absence is excused.

If you need to makeup a quiz/exam  you must schedule to make up the exam before the next class day back or a grade of “0” will be recorded for the missed quiz/exam.

Quizzes and/or exams may not be taken early in any class. .

 

On a rare occasion, a student may know in advance of an impending and UNAVOIDABLE absence.  If that absence is to occur on a day when a scored activity is to be taken, the student may petition the instructor, IN ADVANCE (1 week minimum) AND IN WRITING, for an “excused absence.”  Each excused absence request will be handled on an individual basis and the decision of the instructor will be final.  If approved by the instructor, an excused absence will not result in the loss of any points on the scored activity due to the absence, however, it will still count toward your absences for the semester.

 

Students not turning assignments in on time due to absence must turn the assignment in on the first day back to class, the student will lose 5 points for every day it is late.

 

Classroom/Laboratory Tardiness and/or Leaving Early

Punctual attendance is expected for all class sessions. 3 tardies and/or leaving early will count as an absence.  Any material missed will be the responsibility of the student to obtain from fellow students.  Each tardy or early dismissal after the 3 will deduct 1% from the final overall grade for each occurrence.

Calendar

Week 1     Breast

Week 2     Thyroid  

Week 3     Test:  MSK

Week 4    Scrotum

Week 5    Infant Hip

Week 6     Final

Additional Information

Electronic devices which produce audible sounds must be silenced during all lecture presentations.  Also, text messaging during class and lab is absolutely prohibited.  Recording or filming of lectures is not allowed unless permission is granted before class.

All cell phones and smart watches must be placed in your bags at front of the room during any and all quizzes and tests.

Respondus lockdown browser will be used for all exams.  Please make sure that it is downloaded prior to testing.

 

STUDY TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

This course is very technical and, as such, demands strong student study skills to complete the course satisfactorily. Sonography is NOT “rocket-science,” but it does require persistent and effective study to grasp and retain the information.The following study skill guidelines have been tested through many years, and when used consistently, have been proven to work. Of course, students have different learning styles. Therefore, all skills listed may not be appropriate for you. If you have already developed a study system that works, don’t change it!   If that is not the case, the you should give strong consideration to the adoption of one or more of these guidelines.

1.       Plan to study no less than two clock-hours each week for each hour of class time. If you are academically challenged you should spend even more time. Class time is used to collect notes — NOT to learn the greater part of the information.  Effective learning must continue to take place outside of the classroom.

2.       NEVER extend a study session beyond 30 minutes without taking a short break.  For most students, continuous studying without frequent short breaks generally serves little or no useful purpose. It is not usually possible for the average student to remain sufficiently focused beyond 30 minutes.

3.       During a study session, get active! Choose an area free of distractions and don’t get comfortable. Read your notes and the textbook out loud if the location permits. Using the additional sense of hearing further improves retention and learning.  Reading silently using only the sense of sight and limits learning ability. 

4.       Re-write your lecture notes within twelve hours. Notes taken during a lecture session must often be abbreviated to save time. This creates gaps in sentence and paragraph structure. Therefore, if a re-write does not occur relatively soon, gaps will be difficult to close later. Also, a re-write involves the sense of touch which improves retention and learning. When closing gaps, be sure to consult the textbook for additional information relative to the subject under study. A good dictionary can also be helpful.

5.       Study with a classmate when possible.  For most students, group study reinforces learning.

6.       NEVER “cram” for tests. Cramming may work, but any success is only temporary since this study technique involves short-term memory. Use of long-term memory is absolutely necessary to successfully complete any course which requires a comprehensive final examination and a program of study where an overall program exit comprehensive examination and certification examination is also required. Instead of relying on a “crisis approach” to learning, stay organized and review often.

7.       Ask questions during class sessions and/or visit with the course instructor outside of class to clarify information that may be difficult for you to grasp. If necessary, seek advice from the instructor for making improvements. However, seeking advice during the final couple of weeks of the course is probably too late!

8.       Avoid, at all cost, a pessimistic attitude. Instead, THINK POSITIVELY! A person in very likely to mentally move in the direction he or she thinks about most often. When a subject seems overwhelming, don’t panic!  When the brain is in “panic mode,” it cannot simultaneously be in an effective learning mode. If panic develops, STOP!  Re-evaluate your study skills and make immediate changes that can remove or reduce the difficulty. Chances are, the panic is the result of not enough time set aside to learn the information.

9.       Improve your self-confidence! An excellent online tool to help build self-confidence can be seen at …

                                                http://www.mindtools.com/selfconf.html

Syllabus Created on:

05/21/22 10:13 PM

Last Edited on:

05/24/22 10:39 PM