Learning Head and Neck Anatomy Through a Radiological Imaging Platform.

Introduction: Head and neck anatomy is complex for students to learn and educators to teach. Instructing students on anatomy using radiological imaging can aid comprehension and prepare them for future clinical practice. Computer-aided anatomy instruction is accessible to diverse learners and avoids barriers identified with face-to-face teaching. Methods: We designed a self-guided PowerPoint tutorial with multiple medical imaging modalities, clinical correlations, and self-review questions incorporated throughout. The tutorial was evaluated with a group of 178 Australian preclinical medical students who had prior teaching related to head and neck anatomy. Student participants were divided into experimental and control groups. Participants completed two knowledge assessments: experimental group before and after tutorial engagement and control group before tutorial engagement. All participants were invited to provide feedback on their experiences with the tutorial via questionnaires. Results: Engagement with the tutorial improved overall head and neck anatomy knowledge (p < .001). Knowledge outcomes were maintained across question group type (e.g., multiple-choice questions, identification, and short-answer questions; p < .05), with participants reporting 96% overall positive feedback related to the tutorial experience. Discussion: Given the improved outcomes following tutorial exposure, our results suggest that this tutorial is efficacious when used in concert with existing anatomy curricula. Participants' perceived value of the tutorial additionally suggests that it would be taken up well by medical students and is an effective addition to the existing tutorial series. Further research is needed to assess the tutorial's use as a stand-alone addition to the anatomy curriculum.

Abdominal Anatomy Tutorial Using a Medical Imaging Platform.

Introduction: Easing students' transition to the clinical environment is vital in medical education. For anatomy, this can be achieved by incorporating medical imaging. Most resources for study of imaging solely cover structural identification, which does not adequately prepare students to interpret imaging in clinical practice. This resource adds to a series of tutorials incorporating clinical applications of anatomy. Methods: The tutorial was a self-administered PowerPoint that guided students through principles of abdominal anatomy. It integrated radiological images, including X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, plus clinical correlations and self-evaluation. It was evaluated as a review tool, using repeated-measures control/experimental design, on 100 Australian medical students in preclerkship years. Testing comprised knowledge-based questionnaires, a Likert self-efficacy scale, and open-ended evaluation questions. Results: Results suggest the tutorial significantly improved direct knowledge (p < .001), as the experimental group's posttutorial test scores were superior for direct questions by 32% on average. This difference was particularly significant for short-answer and multiple-choice questions. Students' confidence with anatomy and imaging was enhanced. Discussion: These results demonstrate the tutorial's strength as a review resource. Unlike our previous work, where students received tutorials alongside anatomy teaching, this tutorial was assessed after coursework completion with similar results. Direct knowledge significantly improved; however, indirect applications did not, perhaps due to complexity of the region. Nonetheless, the results reinforce the value of the series' tutorials as review tools, as well as adjunct tools alongside anatomy curricula. There is scope for further research into their use as stand-alone resources.

Pelvis Anatomy Tutorial Using Radiological Images.

Introduction: Improving integration between basic science and clinical application is essential in medical education. Anatomy courses can do this by focusing on medical imaging interpretation. Most imaging textbooks rely on structural identification, which novice learners often struggle to apply to the health care environment, particularly in complex regions like the pelvis, which is multifaceted and differs substantially between sexes. To address this deficit, this resource extends our imaging-based tutorial series. Methods: This tutorial was a self-administered PowerPoint incorporating X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, which are all often used for the pelvic region, as well as self-quizzing and clinical applications. Using repeated-measures, control/experimental design, the tutorial was evaluated as a review tool for 57 Australian medical students in preclerkship years. Participants were evaluated by a rating self-efficacy scale, knowledge-based testing (multiple-choice, short-answer, and identification questions), and feedback to open-ended questions. Results: Results indicate that the tutorial significantly improved direct knowledge (p = .006), as the experimental group's posttutorial scores for direct questions were superior by 21% on average. Significant improvements occurred specifically for direct short-answer and indirect image-identification questions. Discussion: These results suggest the tutorial is an effective review tool. While previous tutorials were evaluated as adjunct tools, this tutorial was evaluated post-anatomy teaching with similar results. Students improved in direct and applied anatomy following tutorial exposure. This suggests that the tutorial series comprises valuable review and supplementary materials. None of our tutorials have been evaluated as a sole mechanism for teaching anatomy or imaging.

Two foci of FDG-avid secondary tumoral calcinosis incidentally noted in a patient with small-cell lung carcinoma after PET/CT.

This case report describes intense F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake within two foci of secondary tumoral calcinosis, incidentally noted during the workup of small-cell lung cancer. The patient had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and secondary hyperparathyroidism as a result of IgA nephropathy.

Primary osseous tumors of the spine.

Primary osseous spinal tumors are relatively rare in comparison with metastatic disease, myeloma, and lymphoma. Despite their rarity, the interpreting radiologist must be aware of the typical imaging features to provide appropriate diagnosis for guidance of clinical management. The age of occurrence, distribution longitudinally in the spine, and distribution axially within the vertebra combined with typical imaging appearances can help indicate the correct diagnosis. This article reviews the diagnostic features of benign and malignant primary bone spinal tumors.

Imaging features of superficial and deep fibromatoses in the adult population.

The fibromatoses are a group of benign fibroblastic proliferations that vary from benign to intermediate in biological behavior. This article will discuss imaging characteristics and patient demographics of the adult type superficial (fascial) and deep (musculoaponeurotic) fibromatoses. The imaging appearance of these lesions can be characteristic (particularly when using magnetic resonance imaging). Palmar fibromatosis demonstrates multiple nodular or band-like soft tissue masses arising from the proximal palmar aponeurosis and extending along the subcutaneous tissues of the finger in parallel to the flexor tendons. T1 and T2-weighted signal intensity can vary from low (higher collagen) to intermediate (higher cellularity), similar to the other fibromatoses. Plantar fibromatosis manifests as superficial lesions along the deep plantar aponeurosis, which typically blend with the adjacent plantar musculature. Linear tails of extension ("fascial tail sign") along the aponeurosis are frequent. Extraabdominal and abdominal wall fibromatosis often appear as a heterogeneous lesion with low signal intensity bands on all pulse sequences and linear fascial extensions ("fascial tail" sign) with MR imaging. Mesenteric fibromatosis usually demonstrates a soft tissue density on CT with radiating strands projecting into the adjacent mesenteric fat. When imaging is combined with patient demographics, a diagnosis can frequently be obtained.

Imaging of the calcaneus.

The anatomy of the calcaneus is complex with multiple processes and grooves for support of related bony and soft tissue structures. With respect to imaging, the calcaneus and its articulations are a diagnostic challenge to radiologists and clinicians. This article focuses on the use of commonly employed radiologic modalities with respect to the anatomy of the calcaneus and some of the more common and challenging conditions that affect the calcaneus.