Concerned about radiographs

[HalcyonDays]

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Could someone suggest a online resource or book that would be good at improving my ability to read radiographs? Xrays and CTs are of paramount importance but some MRIs wouldn't kill me. Although it's only been a month now since my IM residency started I've noticed there is absolutely no time or teaching for reading radiographs. Usually all you have time for is to read the radiologist's impression and findings rather than look at the actual film.

I'd like to find a resource that would improve my ability. If I'm ever stranded somewhere without a radiologist I want to be able to interpret my own films.

 

[Blade28]

Do you have a chance to talk to the Rads resident when they're doing their prelim reads?

Or sit down with your senior resident/chief when you guys are going over patients' films?

That's where I learned a lot - going over lots and LOTS of films. In the ICU we'd cover 20-40 films every day after rounds.

 

[gutonc]

In my residency 4 of the 5 inpt rotations had formal radiology rounds (focused on chest imaging) daily. All new films were reviewed and any old stuff could be re-reviewed if necessary. Excellent learning experience but it requires buy-in from the radiology staff. Since you're in an academic institution, this should be a given but it isn't always.

Tired's method is what I do now. Fortunately read's come back pretty quickly here, usually w/in 1-2h unless it's Monday morning or a neuroimaging study so comparing what I see ("hmm...that looks weird, could be X, Y or Z, what does rads think?") to the official read is a relatively real-time and very informative process.

I'm also fortunate in that, if I've got a concerning looking study that hasn't been read yet I can just page whoever's reading that particulary type of image that day and ask for a wet read which usually happens in 10-20 minutes. If I'm super concerned, I'll call before they even go for the study and will often get a prelim report before the pt makes it back to the floor.

Moral of the story is that you should look at lots of films w/ people who know more than you.

 

[angel80]

Try this website:

http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?sec=edu

Under "clinical cases", there is an area labelled "teaching files." You have to register to view these files, but registration is free.