This chapter provides an overview of the current state of medical imaging methods in body composition analysis. It advocates a holistic approach that combines the strengths of different approaches and addresses their limitations. We discuss the importance of using standardized protocols to improve the accuracy of body composition studies across populations and settings. By examining the capabilities and limitations of imaging modalities such as DEXA, MRI, CT, and ultrasound, we emphasize the need for a multidimensional approach to obtain body composition emphasis on complete understanding.

In this chapter, the authors explore the transformation of ultrasound training in the digital era of higher education. As the digital landscape redefines access to information and learning modalities, this chapter critically examines the integration of innovative digital tools in ultrasound education. The authors focus on leveraging technologies like extended realities and simulations, alongside the practicality of mobile applications, to enhance the learning experience. The chapter underscores the importance of evolving educational systems to actively engage students in these advanced learning frameworks. It aims to stimulate a comprehensive discussion on effectively incorporating these technologies at the undergraduate level, evaluating their impact on student learning outcomes, and preparing future healthcare professionals for a technology-driven medical landscape. This review offers a forward-looking perspective on integrating cutting-edge digital tools in ultrasound education, signifying a shift towards more interactive, immersive, and effective learning experiences.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been progressively merging into the daily practice of many healthcare professionals. Radiology is a branch of medicine that can benefit from these new technological advancements, as it is a data-rich medical specialty and is well-placed to embrace AI. Specifically, radiologists are in a distinctive position to support the AI revolution because of their direct access to a significant amount of data. In turn, these AI tools can improve pathology detection by radiologists, thereby resulting in better, more accurate, and sooner diagnostics. The chapter aims to provide some new insights into AI concepts, tools, and their application in medical imaging. Several technologies are becoming more available in all imaging modalities, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to a new era of digital health. In conclusion, the next generation of AI-based diagnostic imaging systems will surely have a serious impact on daily educational and healthcare institutions for the next generation.

Background and Aims: The Point of Care Ultrasound and Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound in Resource‐Limited Settings are differentiated diagnostic methods using ultrasound, essential in urgent patients screening, allowing better guidance in the diagnostic process and therapeutic approach. This study intends to observe the impact of these techniques in two Basic Emergency Services (SUB) in Portugal.Methods: A longitudinal study was carried out in two remote locations in Portugal (SUB N and SUB S). Data were collected by trained radiographers in each location, and a total of 972 exams were considered. Imaging findings were documented by exam type, the exam normality and the resolution after exam. χ² and Cramer's V tests were performed to check significant correlations between the variables.Results: Regarding the type of echographic findings, 289 (29.7%) were considered normal, 628 (64.6%) were classified as abnormal and 55 (5.7%) were considered inconclusive. As for the type of resolution, 58% had local resolution, 24% were referred to a hospital emergency service and 18% referred to ambulatory care. Regarding the Location versus Resolution after exam versus Findings variables, it was verified a stronger statistically significant association for the exams considered “Abnormal” (Cramer's V = 0.414; p < 0.001). In the variables Location versus Findings versus Resolution after exam, it was verified a stronger statistical significance for “Referral to Ambulatory” (Cramer V = 0.443; p < 0.001) although Referral for Hospital (Cramer V = 0.252; p = 0.003) or Local Resolution (Cramer V = 0.252; p < 0.001) also had a moderate association strength.Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool for patients screening, having an influence on patient management in remote settings. Given the limited literature in Portugal about this matter, further research and literature will be needed to support and complement the results of this study.

Background and Aims: The use of ultrasound screening is primarily facilitated by point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) and its integration into healthcare systems is a result of the versatility of this imaging technique. This study intends to compare the accuracy and pertinence of sonographic findings obtained by a sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) with that of radiologists at referral hospital (RH) in Portugal.Methods: Twenty patients with right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain and suspected cholecystitis or biliary pathology underwent sonography screening using POCUS in the BES. They were then forwarded to the RH where a radiologist performed a conventional ultrasound exam on the same patients. The results of both exams were compared to determine if the findings obtained in the BES were confirmed by the radiologist in the RH.Results: In our sample, 60% of cases were related to biliary pathology, 20% were liver‐related, 10% had hepatopancreatic biliary etiology, and 10% had unknown etiology. A strong association between the sonographic findings in the BES and the RH was found in the variables “Sonographic Murphy sign” (V = 0.859; p = 0.001), “Cholelithiasis/Gallbladder sludge” (V = 0.840; p = 0.001), and “Intrahepatic biliary tract dilatation” (V = 0.717; p = 0.006). Adequate measures of agreement between the findings of the radiographer and radiologist were obtained for the “Sonographic Murphy sign” (k = 0.664; p = 0.001) and the presence of “Cholelithiasis/Gallbladder sludge” (k = 0.712; p = 0.000).Conclusion: Major biliary abnormalities were detected in patients with RUQ pain in BES using sonography. The correlation between the sonographic findings obtained by the sonographers at BES and those obtained by radiologists at the RH in Portugal was strong, showing that POCUS screening could be extended to other similar settings; however, more studies are needed.

Introduction: This study intends to compare the accuracy and pertinence of sonographic findings obtained by a sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) with the imaging findings at the Referral Hospital (RH).Methods: Thirty‐one patients suspected of having renal pathology underwent initial renal sonography screening with sonographer reporting at the BES and were subsequently referred to the RH for additional imaging examinations. The results of both examinations were compared to verify whether the findings from the BES were confirmed by the radiologist in the RH and to ensure that the patient referrals from BES to RH were appropriate.Results: In our sample, most patients (80%) exhibited varying degrees of pyelocaliceal distension, with nearly half (48%) presenting obstructions. A strong association between the sonographic findings in the BES and the RH was found in the variables “Dilatation of pyelocaliceal system” (V=0.895; p=0.000), “Simple cystic formation” (V=0.878; p=0.000), respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between BES and RH findings, indicating a strong association between these two variables respectively (k=0.890; p=0.000) and (k=0.870; p=0.000). In this research, an achieved sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 85% were demonstrated in the identification of pyelocaliceal dilatation.Conclusion: Renal sonographer reporting screening successfully detected abnormalities in the urinary system of patients suspected of having renal colic. The sonographic data obtained at the BES demonstrated a strong correlation with the additional imaging findings from the RH in Portugal. These results suggest that Radiographers/Sonographers can have an important role in the preliminary assessment of urgent renal pathology in remote areas, contributing to a correct referral and early treatment.