ARDMS Breast$$$ (all accurately answered)

Transducer frequency selection in breast imaging: correct answers A 7.0 to 12.0 MHz frequency transducer or higher is optimal Need high frequency transducer for superior axial and lateral resolution (detail) while maintaining penetration to the chest wall A broadband (wide frequency range) is optimal Probe design: correct answers A LINEAR ARRAY is optimal Produces a rectangular image Allows direct contact when scanning perpendicular to the chest wall Accurate measurements can be recorded by avoiding beam divergence artifact (this is achieve with a rectangular image vs. sector image) Interventional procedures (i.e. cyst aspiration, biopsy, and needle localization, etc.) can be accurately guided with a linear array probe Imaging Depth: correct answers Depth should be sufficient to visualize the breast tissue from skin to chest wall. Breast size will vary from one patient to the next. However, an imaging depth between 3 and 6 cm should be adequate. Focusing: correct answers Multi-focus or variable (adjustable) electronic focusing will achieve optimal breast detail The use of multiple focal zones will provide excellent resolution the full depth of the image. This may significantly reduce the frame rate, although. Multiple focal zones, however, are still recommended. If a single focus is used, the focal zone should be set at the depth of the area of interest (such as a mass), or at or below the mammary layer for general scanning. Gray scale: correct answers Generally, for breast imaging, a broad gray scale map or dynamic range is used. This provides a wide range of gray shades to be displayed, while demonstrating subtle tissue differences. A map with too few gray shades may not accurately demonstrate low-level echoes with in a cyst or solid lesions. Doppler Technique: correct answers In order to optimize doppler imaging, the sonographer should establish a technique for low velocity flow states. This includes: low velocity scale, low filter setting, optimal doppler gain setting, increased PRF for high velocities Reverberation correct answers Artifactual linear echoes parallel to a strong interface. Has a distinct "stepladder" or "Venetian blind" appearance Side or Grating lobe correct answers Secondary sound sources off the main sound beam that place artifactual echoes within a cyst Slice Thickness correct answers Unwanted echoes from the thickness of the sound beam in the elevation plane that place artifacts within a cyst