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American College of Endocrinology Report on Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU). H. Jack Baskin, MD, MACE. Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU). Two components: Comprehensive Certification Exam (CCE)
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American College of EndocrinologyReport on Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound(ECNU) H. Jack Baskin, MD, MACE
Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) Two components: • Comprehensive Certification Exam (CCE) • Validation Process (VP) - Validation of competency in the performance and interpretation of diagnostic US and UG FNA
CCE • Computer-based • 100 Multiple choice questions • Administered by PrometricTM • 3 week window • Twice a year
CCE Content 1. Principles of ultrasound imaging 2. Neck anatomy 3. Thyroid pathology 4. Parathyroid pathology 5. Lymph node pathology 6. Ultrasound-guided FNA
Validation Process • Within 12 Months after passing CCE • Perform 100 (125) US studies 70% Ultrasound 30% UG FNA • Submit 15 examinations and reports
VP content • 5 Cases nodular goiter • 1 Case thyroiditis • 2 Cases parathyroid pathology • 2 Cases lymph node pathology • 5 UG FNA
VP content –all reports • Indication for performing procedure • Measure thyroid and nodules in longitudinal x anterior-posterior x transverse plan (isthmus A-P) • Diagnostic impression or differential diagnosis • Disposition/plan
VP content - thyroid • Description of thyroid parenchyma • Description of significant nodules (echogenicity, margin, vascularity • Describe in detail any abnormality (cyst, calcification, comet tails, etc) • Description of neck lymph nodes
VP content – parathyroid adenoma • Measurement of parathyroid • Location of adenoma • Echogenicity of parathyroid • Description of vascularity with Doppler image • Parathyroid must be verified by FNA (PTH in washout) or surgery
VP content – malignant lymph node • Location of primary cancer • Location of lymph node (compartment I thru VI) • Measurement of short and long axis with Short/Long Axis Ratio (Transverse view) • Echogenicity of lymph node • Description of vascularity with Doppler image • Presence or absence of hilar line, calcifications and cystic necrosis
Certification Results3 years – 5 exams 330 Candidates took certifying examination 276 successfully passed exam 54 failed exam (20% fail rate) 136 have completed the VCP and are eligible to apply for AIUM practice accreditation
Recertification • Due 10 years after receiving ECNU • 50 hours CME over 10 years • 100 studies year before recertification • On line test of ultrasound images