Traditional B-Mode and Doppler sonography have been the stalwart of renal tract imaging for many years, and indeed, are in daily use in most centres as the modality of choice for the initial assessment of renal pathology. However, traditional ultrasound scanning can be limited in its ability to accurately characterise renal pathology, and can be inaccurate at determining benign from malignant lesions. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound conveys many benefits, being safe (especially in patients with renal dysfunction), does not require the use of ionising radiation, is quick and relatively cheap and can help to establish whether a focal renal lesion is sinister. Furthermore, it is our experience that contrast-enhanced ultrasound is not a difficult technique to master for the experienced ultrasound practitioner. In this article, we discuss the technique, interpretation and value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in renal imaging, and describe how we use it in our practice.

Introduction: Simulation is increasingly used throughout medicine. Within ultrasound, simulators are more established for learning transvaginal and interventional procedures. The use of modern high-fidelity transabdominal simulators is increasing, particularly in centres with large trainee numbers. There is no current literature on the value of these simulators in gaining competence in abdominal ultrasound. The aim was to investigate the impact of a new ultrasound curriculum, incorporating transabdominal simulators into the first year of training in a UK radiology academy. Methods: The simulator group included 13 trainees. The preceding cohort of 15 trainees was the control group. After 10 months, a clinical assessment was performed to assess whether the new curriculum resulted in improved ultrasound skills. Questionnaires were designed to explore the acceptability of simulation training and whether it had any impact on confidence levels. Results: Trainees who had received simulator-enriched training scored higher in an objective clinical ultrasound assessment, which was statistically significant (p ¼ 0.0463). End confidence scores for obtaining diagnostic images and demonstrating pathology were also higher in the simulation group. All trainees stated that transabdominal simulator training was useful in early training. Conclusions: This initial study shows that embedded into a curriculum, transabdominal ultrasound simulators are an acceptable training method that can result in improved ultrasound skills and higher confidence levels. Using simulators early in training could allow trainees to master the basics, improve their confidence, enabling them to get more educational value from clinical ultrasound experience while reducing the impact of training on service provision.

ObjectivesTo compare image quality on computed tomographic (CT) images acquired with filtered back-projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) techniques in CT kidney/ureter/bladder (KUB) examination.MethodsEighteen patients underwent standard protocol CT KUB at our institution. The same raw data were reconstructed using FBP, ASIR and MBIR. Objective [mean image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for kidney and mean attenuation values of subcutaneous fat] and subjective image parameters (image noise, image contrast, overall visibility of kidneys/ureters/bladder, visibility of small structures, and overall diagnostic confidence) were assessed using a scoring system from 1 (best) to 5 (worst).ResultsObjective image measurements revealed significantly less image noise and higher CNR and the same fat attenuation values for the MBIR technique (P < 0.05). MBIR scored best in all the subjective image parameters (P < 0.001) with averages ranging between 2.05–2.73 for MBIR, 2.95–3.10 for ASIR and 3.08–3.31 for FBP. No significant difference was observed between FBP and ASIR (P > 0.05), while there was a significant difference between ASIR vs. MBIR (P < 0.05). The mean effective dose was 3 mSv.ConclusionMBIR shows superior reduction in noise and improved image quality (both objective and subjective analysis) compared with ASIR and FBP CT KUB examinations.Main Messages• There are many reconstruction options in CT.• Novel model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) showed the least noise and optimal image quality.• For CT of the kidneys/ureters/bladder, MBIR should be utilised, if available.• Further studies to reduce the dose while maintaining image quality should be pursued.

• MBIR allows reduced CT dose with similar diagnostic accuracy • MBIR outperforms ASIR when used for the reconstruction of reduced-dose scans • MBIR can be used to accurately assess stones 3 mm and above.