Iraqi Board Radiology study plan

Explain how kVp, mAs, filtration and detector type jointly determine image contrast, noise and patient dose, and calculate how a change in mAs alters dose at constant receptor exposure.

Distinguish the dose quantities and units (absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose) and state representative effective doses for chest radiograph, CT chest and CT abdomen.

Apply the ALARA principles and the three cardinal radiation-protection rules to a fluoroscopy and a CT scenario, naming the specific dose-reduction tools available on modern equipment.

Interpret a chest radiograph systematically using a fixed search pattern and list the four signs that confirm adequate inspiration, penetration and rotation.

Classify the classic chest radiographic patterns (consolidation, atelectasis, interstitial, nodular, cavitary) and match each to its typical lobar or diffuse distribution.

Differentiate the HRCT features of usual interstitial pneumonia, organising pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and justify the pattern that favours each diagnosis.

Describe the CT pulmonary angiogram protocol and interpret filling defects in terms of acute versus chronic pulmonary embolism.

Recognise the plain-film and CT signs of pneumothorax, pleural effusion, aortic dissection and mediastinal haematoma, and state the immediate imaging step for each.

Outline the imaging pathway for suspected acute abdomen and for suspected bowel ischaemia, justifying when CT with intravenous contrast is preferred over ultrasound.

Explain the role of the trauma CT protocol (whole-body, contrast timing) and the findings that mandate urgent intervention.

Build a segmental liver anatomy map and use it to localise focal lesions and describe their venous drainage and biliary relations.

Compare the multiphasic CT and MRI enhancement behaviour of haemangioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastases and focal nodular hyperplasia.

Interpret the ultrasound and CT features of acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, pancreatitis and small-bowel obstruction.

Describe the normal and abnormal appearance of the urinary tract on ultrasound and CT urography, including the signs of obstructive uropathy.

Explain the sonographic and MRI findings of the common gynaecological emergencies (ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, ruptured haemorrhagic cyst).

Trace the intracranial arterial and venous territories and predict the vascular territory affected by occlusion of each major vessel.

Identify the CT and MRI features of acute infarction, haemorrhage, hydrocephalus and raised intracranial pressure, and state the imaging sequence of choice in each acute setting.

Describe the embryological derivation of the branchial apparatus and correlate each arch with its adult head-and-neck structure and its typical congenital cyst.

Differentiate the MRI signal characteristics of common spinal pathologies (disc herniation, spondylodiscitis, metastatic deposit, cord compression).

Interpret the common patterns of head-and-neck masses by compartment and by involvement of the deep spaces of the neck.

Describe the radiographic and MRI appearances of fracture healing, non-union and osteomyelitis, and distinguish them from tumour.

Classify the common bone tumours by age group and skeletal location and state the characteristic matrix mineralisation of each.

Explain the mechanisms and imaging features of the common arthropathies (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathy, gout, CPPD).

Correlate the basic pathology concepts of inflammation, necrosis, fibrosis and neoplastic growth with their imaging manifestations.

Interpret the MRI features of meniscal and ligamentous knee injury and of rotator cuff pathology.

Apply the BI-RADS lexicon to describe a mammographic lesion and assign the correct final assessment category.

Explain the mammographic and ultrasound features that distinguish benign from malignant breast lesions and state when biopsy is indicated.

Describe the recommended breast screening approach for average-risk and high-risk women and justify the role of tomosynthesis and MRI.

Adapt imaging protocols and interpretation to the paediatric patient, including the choice of modality for suspected appendicitis, intussusception and malrotation.

Recognise the classic paediatric radiographic signs of respiratory distress, congenital lung malformation and developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Explain the mechanism, clinical features and management of iodinated contrast and gadolinium reactions, including the distinction between allergic-like and chemotoxic reactions.

Apply the risk-stratification rules for contrast-induced nephropathy and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and state when premedication or an alternative agent is required.

Describe the radiopharmaceuticals, uptake mechanisms and typical indications of bone scan, thyroid scan, V/Q scan, PET-CT and sentinel node imaging.

Outline the pre-procedure assessment, consent, sedation and post-procedure monitoring for image-guided biopsy and drainage.

Explain the principles of embolisation, angioplasty and stenting and the imaging follow-up expected after each.

Re-audit the weakest two domains identified in earlier self-tests and correct every remaining knowledge gap.

Complete a timed mixed-domain mock examination under exam conditions and record the score per domain.

Review every missed mock question and write the underlying principle, not just the correct option.

Consolidate high-yield physics and safety facts (dose limits, dose units, contrast thresholds) into a final revision sheet.

Rehearse a structured reporting approach for the common acute presentations so interpretation is fast and systematic on exam day.