November 2024 - Movember Minute

📚 Case Study:  Epididymitis

Take a look at this ultrasound case study!

Background:

• Has significant discomfort with palpation of his right hemiscrotum
• Vitals: BP=140/80 mmHg; HR=64; RR=14; T=37 C

🗞️ Ultrasound Application News

Discover how advanced ultrasound techniques like contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and strain elastography (SE) are transforming the diagnosis and management of focal testicular lesions. A recent ten-year study reveals how combining these modalities can enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce unnecessary surgeries, and support more conservative treatment options. Learn about the latest findings and their implications for patient care in our latest blog post!

⭐ Special Feature: Undergraduate Medical Education Case Study

Explore how the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine is transforming ultrasound education with SonoSim. This new case study showcases how Dr. Frederick Slone and his team addressed barriers in ultrasound training by integrating SonoSim’s self-paced learning modules and hands-on scanning. With the SonoSim Ecosystem, USF provides students with comprehensive ultrasound education that enhances both foundational knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring students are better prepared for real-world medical practice. Read the full story to see the impact on student learning and curriculum integration!

👩‍⚕️ Scanning & Imaging Tips: Prostate

Endorectal ultrasound is the preferred method for detailed prostate imaging, capturing intricate anatomy better than transabdominal scans. However, a transabdominal approach can still reveal valuable information on prostate size, especially in cases of enlargement—just remember to scan with a full bladder for clearer views. With evolving probe designs and techniques like contrast-enhanced imaging, understanding the transducer's array setup is crucial for accurate interpretation and diagnosis.

🔎 Scan & Seek - Fun with Physics

Keep watching below to see what the unusual subject we scanned this month was!

Curious about the physics of ultrasound? Let's explore it with a poblano pepper!

When we scan a poblano pepper submerged in a water bath, we see something fascinating: reverberation artifacts.  These are repeated echoes created when the ultrasound waves bounce back and forth between the poblano pepper's dense outer walls. The result? Bright, evenly spaced lines that appear deeper within the pepper.

This artifact helps highlight how ultrasound interacts with different tissues (or peppers). It's a great way to visualize how sound waves behave when encountering strong reflectors, similar to reverberation seen in bladder imaging.

🧠 Challenge Case of the Month: Genitourinary

Case History:  This 50-year-old male presents with left-sided scrotal pain and swelling for 2 days.

Evaluate his scrotum with ultrasound.👇

💥 SonoSim Updates

We’ve got some exciting new features this month: a brand-new Gastric Ultrasound topic, enhanced image review capabilities in the SonoSimulator®, expanded CaseBuilder options, and a specialized Focused Practice Designation (FPD) in Advanced Emergency Medicine Ultrasound (AEMUS) Test Prep . Plus, a new Manage Orientation course to make onboarding smoother than ever!

Want the full scoop? Check out the November release notes for all the details! 

💡 SonoSim Tips & Tricks

Take Advantage of Real-Time Performance Feedback
When working through our Procedures Modules in the SonoSimulator®, be sure to review your live performance feedback. As soon as you complete a procedure, you'll receive immediate insights into the success of your attempt, helping you refine your technique on the spot. This instant feedback is a game-changer for honing your ultrasound skills!

Capture Key Moments with Image Saving
Did you know you can now save images during your procedure practice sessions in the SonoSimulator®? This feature allows you to document critical views during procedures for later review, making it easier to track your progress and improve your scanning techniques over time.

Leverage these features to get the most out of your SonoSim training sessions and enhance your ultrasound proficiency!

😂 LOLtrasound

Image Credit: FX Production

📲 Follow Us on Social!