This session will explore the seven-sweep approach to neck ultrasound, a systematic technique designed to ensure comprehensive evaluation of essential anatomical structures and lymph node levels. By applying this method, sonographers can enhance diagnostic confidence, support accurate differential diagnosis, and provide optimal reporting for surgical planning. The presentation will outline each sweep in detail and illustrate common pathological findings associated with specific anatomical regions

Trans-cervical sonographic imaging of the adult palatine tonsils is easily performed to investigate the tonsils and peritonsillar space and can be used to distinguish between tonsillitis, peri-tonsillar cellulitis, intra-tonsillar and peri-tonsillar abscesses. Peri-tonsillar cellulitis and abscesses need to be diagnostically distinguished to inform patient management. An understanding of the sonographic anatomy, imaging technique, sonographic landmarks and sonographic appearances is essential to correctly perform and interpret ultrasound imaging of the adult palatine tonsils and exclude a peri-tonsillar or intra-tonsillar abscess and such topics will be covered in this presentation.

Background: You probably don't think of yourself as a below-average sonographer. That would be pretty depressing. But there is a 50% statistical probability that this is exactly what you are. Perhaps you have had the experience of diagnosing a small echogenic renal lesion as an angiomyolipoma and later found out that the lesion turned out to be a kidney cancer. Sickening. Or perhaps you routinely do something in your practice that you know is a complete waste of time, such as bladder jets in an outpatient presenting for a renal ultrasound, but you do it anyway. Why do you willing waste your life? The above scenarios represent a thought-provoking (and perhaps a little provocative) sample of common cognitive biases: self-enhancement (aka superiority bias), availability bias and bandwagon bias. As humans, we are prone many cognitive biases. These can dramatically affect how we perceive the world and what actions we take. Cognitive biases can enter into our ultrasound practice and lead to misdiagnosis and adverse patient outcomes.
Response: But don't despair, there is hope for all of us! If we arm ourselves with the knowledge of biases, become aware of our own way of thinking, and consciously deploy System 2 (slow analytical reasoning) as opposed to relying on System 1 (quick-fire heuristics), we have a good chance of overcoming even the most powerful biases and becoming more mindful, analytical and accurate practitioners. This presentation will provide an overview of the most common biases in ultrasound with examples from clinical practice.