Intestinal Ultrasound Course Module 1 in Calgary 2018

The International Bowel Ultrasound Group (IBUS-Group) was created in 2016 with the aim promoting gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) on the international stage and to advance research, teaching and clinical use of GIUS in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

To promote the teaching of health care professionals in the use GIUS in IBD, a module-based curriculum was created. Module 1 is an introductory course consisting of lectures and hands-on training over 2.5 days. Module 2 consists of at least 4 weeks, training at a certified IBUS centre. Finally, Module 3 is a hands-on work shop held in collaboration with European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). Since the main focus is GIUS in IBD, the recruited participants are all specialist in gastroenterology or in training to become gastroenterologist.

The course in Calgary, Canada, 27^th – 29^th of April was the third in which the module 1 course was held. The first module 1 course was held in Lüneburg, Germany, in 2016 and the second in Milan, Italy, in 2017. This year’s venue was held at the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire. The full programme can be found at this address: https://www.ibus-group.org/images/Agenda-Calgary/Agenda-Calgary-April.pdf

Briefly, the program focused on introducing the participants in the use of GIUS in IBD. First the normal findings were described and the different aspects of IBD such as mural and extramural changes, detection of complications and postoperative recurrence, presented in different lectures. Also, special subjects, such as ultrasound in pediatric patients and perianal ultrasound were included. Between the lectures hands on sessions were held dividing the course participants into groups of five rotating from patient to patient and supervised by expert tutors.

As a local flavour, the Director at the IBD clinic in Calgary, Remo Panaccione, presented his thoughts on the treat to target approach. He considered GIUS as a very promising tool. However, issues regarding availability of GIUS was a limiting factor. That set the stage perfectly for a course with the aim of teaching “IBD-ologist” GIUS. Altogether four hands-on sessions were held, starting with practical machine demonstration, practice on healthy volunteers and finally two hands-on sessions on IBD patients. Most of the lectures were held by the members of the IBUS board, but local speakers also contributed significantly to this course such as Michael Stewart, Cathy Lu, Alexandra Medellin and Jennifer Debruyn from Calgary and Hien Huyhn from Edmonton.

An especially entertaining contribution was the “battle of diagnostic modalities” held by Michael Stewart (advocate of endoscopy) and Kerri Novak (champion of GIUS) at the end of the first day. In good Canadian tradition this “war” ended peacefully with mutual words of respect. On the second day Cathy Lu presented data on the use of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) and elastography in the categorisation of strictures and detection of abscesses. Alexandra Medellin presented how they combine CEUS and MRI to improve diagnostics at the IBD clinic in Calgary. Finally, Jennifer Debryun and Hien Huyhn in a joint venture presented their thoughts on the use GIUS in paediatric patients. The final day consisted of lectures focusing on differential diagnosis of IBD and reporting before a practical exam.

Due to increasing interest, the IBUS-group has decided to hold two introductory courses per year. The next course is planned for the 9.-11. November 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. More information on past and upcoming courses will be updated on www.ibus-group.org, www.facebook.com/intestinalultrasound and twitter.com/BowelUltrasound

The course participants enjoyed a brief respite in the lovely National Park in Banff located in the Canadian Rockies.