E1095. Broken Hearted: The Utilization of Clay Models in the Interpretation of Nuclear Cardiology Imaging Studies - A Resident Teaching Tool
Authors
Quan Nguyen;
Westchester Medical Center
Yehuda Herman;
New York Medical College
Ekramul Gofur;
Westchester Medical Center
Mayer Rubin;
Westchester Medical Center
Jared Meshekow;
Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Perry Gerard;
Westchester Medical Center
Diwakar Jain;
Westchester Medical Center
Background
Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain remains a diagnostic dilemma. Myocardial perfusion imaging can help resolve diagnostic issues. Since many studies are currently performed in cardiology, radiology residents need to maintain competence in interpretation of these examinations. We discuss a unique method of training and re-training residents utilizing simple clay models to evaluate these examinations. The clay models allow the residents to identify coronary artery distributions, the presence of ischemia or infarct, and identify when artifacts are present.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Discuss the utilization of myocardial perfusion imaging in the ED setting. Identify the role of the radiologist in the interpretation of these studies. Discuss the utilization of simple clay modeling that serves as a 3D model in the performance, understanding and interpretation of these imaging studies. Discuss how 3D clay models allow a hands-on approach as a creative teaching tool, allowing the residents to become active participants in learning and not just observers. It enhances motivation, inspires imagination, and retention of material.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Myocardial perfusion imaging plays a role in the evaluation of patients with chest pain presenting to the ED. The timely triage and management of patients seen with acute chest pain is time sensitive. It is important that radiology residents are trained in the interpretation of nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging as these studies may appear during on-call times. Interpretation of myocardial ischemia or infarct can justify hospital admission for the early start of treatment. We discuss the utilization of simple clay models in the interpretation of nuclear imaging studies. Additionally clay models can be used for patient education.
Conclusion
Nuclear cardiology imaging studies are utilized for patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency room to exclude myocardial infarct or ischemia. Decisions based on the interpretation of the studies can influence dilemmas with patient admission and subsequent care. We discuss the role of the radiology resident in the interpretation of nuclear cardiology studies. We discuss a new creative method of teaching radiology residents the details of performing and interpreting nuclear cardiology studies utilizing simple clay 3D models.
