AVA Conference Adelaide 2016

Radiographic interpretation combines an understanding of normal radiographic anatomy with the pathophysiology of disease and how this will influence image formation. For this reason, disorders and diseases of animals fall into one of two categories – those that are radiographically detectable and those that are not. In order to be detected, the clinician must be able to appreciate a change in radiographic features from that which would normally be expected. Technical issues can affect image quality such that abnormalities can be impossible to detect, missed or overlooked. Those diseases that do not alter physiology and anatomy sufficiently to alter the radiographic image cannot be detected. Other complications in radiographic interpretation occur when different diseases create the same change in radiographic features as one another, despite their differing aetiology (and hence differing prognosis and therapeutic options). For all these reasons it is imperative for the radiographic evaluation to be complete and of a sufficiently high standard to be deemed a diagnostic series. A key to interpretation is to have a generic approach in the identification of abnormalities as specific radiographic signs so that multiple aetiologies of lesions can be considered. The clinician reviewing the examination can be aided by an understanding of how certain disorders would be expected to manifest but should aim to be open minded during interpretation so that multiple lesions or differential diagnoses are not overlooked. Case studies will be used to illustrate common radiographic technical and interpretation pitfalls and how to avoid them