Can one imagine ART being performed today without imaging? Ultrasound has become an integral component not just
of ART, but also of the daily practice of reproductive medicine, infertility, and gynecology. New practice guidelines for ultrasound in reproductive medicine have been published by AIUM in collaboration with ASRM in 2009 (J Ultrasound Med 28(1):125-138, 2009). Surveys of members of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Imaging Special Interest Group, and ASRM have revealed a strong desire for continuing medical education in ultrasonography that would prepare reproductive medicine professionals and gynecologists for accreditation by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). To accommodate physicians’ educational needs, this course has been designed to be taken either as a two- or a one-day course. The curriculum for each day has been designed as a free standing course, so Part I is not a prerequisite for Part II.

The objectives of this course are to provide a comprehensive survey of the use of ultrasonography in the female pelvis for physicians, nurses and ultrasonographers actively involved in reproductive medicine, infertility and gynecology. There will be a live scanning demonstration during Part I to review the ultrasound techniques in performing a pelvic ultrasound examination. The faculty will review critically the application of ultrasonography to the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and complications of infertility. Although ultrasonography has advanced early pregnancy evaluation and monitoring, the pitfalls and limits of diagnostic ultrasonography for assessment of pregnancy and its complications also will be addressed.

Many other gynecologic findings on ultrasound such as congenital uterine anomalies, ovarian masses, tubal disease and other uterine pathologies will be discussed along with their impact on fertility. The course will cover a variety of reproductive problems throughout the reproductive lifespan from puberty through menopause from an ultrasound perspective. Newer technologies will also be discussed with current or potential application, such as 3D ultrasound and Doppler. Cases and controversies will offer the audience an opportunity to actively participate. Finally, the faculty will introduce the audience to the potential importance, requirements and benefits of AIUM accreditation.


LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:
1. Summarize the appropriate use of ultrasonography in the assessment of infertility, uterine abnormalities and the pathology of the reproductive tract.
2. Describe the proper assessment of early pregnancy and list findings on early pregnancy assessments that are associated with poor outcomes.
3. Discuss new developments in ultrasonography, the importance of 3-D ultrasonography in reproductive medicine, and the importance of Doppler blood flow assessment in reproductive medicine and gynecology.
4. List the requirements and benefits of a clinical practice attaining accreditation in ultrasonography.

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