Contrast-enhanced cadaver-specific computed tomography in gross anatomy teaching

To establish contrast-enhanced (CE) cadaver-specific post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in first-year gross anatomy teaching and quantitatively evaluate its learning benefit. 132 first-year medical students were included in this IRB-approved study and randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=59) provided with continuous access to CE and non-enhanced (NE) cadaver-specific PMCT-scans during the first-semester gross anatomy course, and a control group (n=73) that had only NE cadaver-specific PMCT data available. Four multiple-choice tests were carried out (15 questions each) subsequent to completion of the corresponding anatomy module: Head and neck anatomy, extremities, thorax, and abdomen. Median test results were compared in each module between the groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Additionally, participants of the intervention group answered a 15-item feedback-questionnaire. The intervention group achieved significantly higher test scores in head and neck anatomy (median=12.0, IQR=10.0-13.0) versus the control group (median=10.5, IQR=9.0-12.0) (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the comparison of other modules. CEPMCT was highly appreciated by undergraduate medical students. The incorporation of contrast-enhanced cadaver-specific PMCT-scans in gross anatomy teaching was proven to be feasible in the framework of the medical curriculum and significantly improved the students' learning performance in head and neck anatomy. Cadaver-specific contrast-enhanced post-mortem CT (CEPMCT) is feasible in the medical curriculum. CEPMCT yields significantly improved learning performance in head and neck anatomy (p < 0.01). CEPMCT is highly appreciated by medical students and used in tutor- or self-guided modes.